Garden City

Garden City sits on the north bank of the Arkansas River at an elevation of roughly 2900 feet (880 meters) in southwestern Kansas and serves as the administrative center of Finney County. Several highways intersect here, linking the city with surrounding prairies and larger towns across the region.

Brothers James R. Fulton and William D. Fulton founded the settlement in 1878 and pushed forward agricultural development in the area. Over the following decades, the town grew into a trading hub in southwestern Kansas through expanded irrigation systems and the arrival of cattle ranches.

The name refers to early irrigation plans that aimed to turn dry land into productive gardens, and today the city remains shaped by farming traditions. Locals maintain close ties to cattle ranching and the large feedlots that define the economy and daily routines of many families in the area.

The regional airport sits a short distance from the center and offers connections to larger hubs, making access easier for travelers. Wide streets and flat surroundings make navigation straightforward, and drivers generally find their way around without much difficulty.

The local swimming pool once drew its warm water from natural underground springs that locals found especially pleasant. Today, a few buildings still recall the time when water bubbled straight from the earth and attracted bathers from around the area.

Location: Finney County

Inception: 1878

Elevation above the sea: 865 m

Website: https://garden-city.org

GPS coordinates: 37.97530,-100.86400

Latest update: December 11, 2025 22:42