AtwoodKansas.com
Title
Welcome to Atwood, Kansas - Pride of the Prairie
Description
The town of Atwood, which is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Beaver Valley, is surrounded by the natural beauty of golden wheat fields and lush green ranches. A standing tribute to the early pioneers, Atwood's presence on the prairie still boasts the friendly atmosphere and hard work ethic from which the city was born. Settled in 1875, it quickly became home to immigrant families that still live, work and prosper in the heart of Rawlins County.
In April, 1875, T.A. Andrews and J.M. Matheny came to Rawlins County. They established a town site about two miles east of the present location, and named the town Attwood for Matheny's 14 year old son who accompanied his father on the journey. It became apparent that the site was on school land, so to gain clear title it was moved to the present location. In 1882, the Post Office requested the name drop one "t" becoming Atwood.
The founders of Atwood came in search of a better life and began to build a community that is rich in heritage, culture and values. Today's Atwood residents still preserve these early traditions, and continue to add to Atwood through their community involvement and determined spirit. There is no better example of the spirit that Atwood residents have for the community than the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church built in 1906 north of town. Closed in 1979, Atwood residents raised $83,000.00 and moved the church in it’s entirety to its new home next to the Rawlins County Historical Museum, which is home to a wonderful Rawlins County Mural painted by Atwood native Rudolph Wendelin (Creator of Smokey the Bear).
