Rooks County

Rooks County is an administrative county in north-central Kansas covering a broad rural area of farmland and open spaces. Stockton serves as the county seat, anchoring the region with its role as the main community hub.

The county was established in 1867 and named after Private John C. Rooks, who died in the Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862. This naming honors a soldier who gave his life during the Civil War era.

The courthouse built in 1923 anchors the county seat and shapes how residents and visitors experience the town center. Its design reflects architectural traditions that were common across rural Kansas during that era.

Getting around the county is straightforward thanks to its network of highways connecting the main communities. The best time to explore is during warmer months when roads are in their best condition for driving.

The first courthouse from 1881 was built from cottonwood logs and reinforced with substantial amounts of iron to create a durable structure. This resourceful design reflects how settlers adapted their construction methods to available local materials.

Location: Kansas

Inception: February 26, 1867

Capital city: Stockton

Shares border with: Phillips County, Ellis County, Smith County, Osborne County, Trego County, Graham County

Website: http://RooksCounty.net

GPS coordinates: 39.45139,-99.10194

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02