Kit Carson County

Kit Carson County is an administrative county in eastern Colorado along the Kansas border, covering more than 2,160 square miles of high plains and agricultural land. Six communities are spread throughout the county, with Burlington serving as the county seat.

The county was officially established in 1889 and named after Kit Carson, a frontiersman who guided expeditions through the American West during territorial expansion. This high plains region gradually became a center for agriculture and ranching as settlers moved westward.

The wooden carousel at the Burlington museum dates to 1905 and features hand-carved animals painted by Philadelphia craftsmen, reflecting the county's connection to early American entertainment traditions.

The county offers public swimming pools and golf courses distributed across its communities, making outdoor recreation accessible throughout the area. Since distances between towns can be considerable on the open plains, having your own transportation is practical.

Each summer the county hosts its fair and rodeo event featuring professional cowboys, combining agricultural shows with horseback riding skills and local traditions. The gathering brings together families and working cattlemen who keep ranching culture alive in the region.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1889

Capital city: Burlington

Shares border with: Yuma County, Sherman County, Cheyenne County, Washington County, Lincoln County, Cheyenne County, Wallace County

Website: http://kitcarsoncounty.org

GPS coordinates: 39.31000,-102.60000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23