Burdick, Kansas

Early history

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

19th century

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

From the 1820s to the 1870s, one of the most significant land routes in the United States was the Santa Fe Trail. It was located approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Burdick. A large stone stage station, named "Six Mile Stage Station" was built at this location as a rest stop. In 1863, Charles Atkinson witnessed approximately 600 Cheyenne Indians raided this station. DAR Marker #29 was dedicated on October 9, 1908 at this location.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1859, Morris County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Burdick.

In 1880, a Swedish settlement called Linsdale was created, consisting of Swedish immigrants from Henry and Mercer counties of Illinois. In 1887, the community name was changed to Burdick, in honor of Ms. Burdick, the sweetheart of a Santa Fe Railroad official.

In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City) to Superior, Nebraska. This branch line connects Strong City, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick, Lost Springs, Jacobs, Hope, Navarre, Enterprise, Abilene, Talmage, Manchester, Longford, Oak Hill, Miltonvale, Aurora, Huscher, Concordia, Kackley, Courtland, Webber, Superior. In 2006, the line from Neva to Lost Springs was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad and renamed to the current BNSF Railway. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".

A post office was established in Burdick on August 29, 1887.

Geography

Burdick is located at 38°33′49″N 96°50′44″W (38.5636222, -96.8455682) at an elevation of 1,453 feet (443 m). It is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Lost Springs.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Burdick has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Area events

Films

Economy

Although Burdick is unincorporated, it has a post office with the ZIP code of 66838.

Primary and secondary education

Burdick is part of Unified School District 397. All students attend schools in Lost Springs area.

History

In the 1910s, Burdick and Diamond Springs formed a high school district. In 1921, the Diamond Valley High School was completed. The first class graduated in 1923 with 3 students. Due to decreasing attendance, the High School closed its doors in 1957.

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Transportation

U.S. Route 77 is 5.0 miles (8.0 km) west, and U.S. Route 56 is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of the community.

Utilities

Notable people