Though Chanute was not founded until 1873, settlers began populating the area as early as 1856. With the LL&G Railroad set to arrive shortly thereafter, the early residents of the towns of Tioga, Chicago Junction, Alliance and New Chicago needed an innovative solution to an escalating dispute over which town would claim the right to house the railroad's new land office.
The towns were unable to settle their differences until an individual by the name of Octave Chanute came to town. Octave was the Chief Engineer and General Superintendent of the LL&G Railroad. In 1872, he suggested the towns merge together to end the arguing. On January 1, 1873, the towns came together and became chartered as the City of Chanute.
We receive an average of 40 inches of rain per year and 14 inches of snowfall. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is around 96. On average, we have 224 sunny days annually. The July high is around 91 degrees while the January low is 21.
Chanute is served by Unified School District #413. We are also home to two private schools: Saint Patrick Catholic School and Chanute Christian Academy. Neosho County Community College is a public, two-year institution that currently provides post-secondary education.
Martin Johnson Municipal Airport is a general aviation operation with a 4,255-foot runway and taxiway. Expansion of services and infrastructure is in the planning stages, including new T-hangars and pavement improvements.
Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center serves a four-county area, providing a variety of acute and outpatient care services.
Our area has many attractions known for their historical significance and small-town charm. Award-winning efforts have restored the downtown business district to a beautiful, thriving place to shop and have fun. The South Santa Fe areas also offer a variety of shops and merchandise.
The Chanute Art Gallery shows changing exhibits featuring local and nationally known artists, as well as a two-day quilt show.
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum displays exhibits and programs that highlight the achievements of the Johnsons, pioneering documentary filmmakers, photographers, authors, explorers and Kansans. A trip to the museum allows one to relive the Johnsons' 1917-1936 adventures in Africa, Borneo and the South Seas. Additional exhibits feature the rich cultures and art of Africa.
Come receive a warm Kansas welcome when you stop by Chanute and be sure to visit out United Country office to see everything our community has to offer.