September 2024
History
Hesston, located in Harvey County, Kansas, is located about 35 miles north of Wichita and 6 miles north of Newton. The city was founded in 1886 by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and named after the Hesston family, who owned land in the area. Hesston is primarily known for its agriculture manufacturing industry, especially the Hesston Corporation, which produces agricultural equipment which was acquired by AGCO in 1991. Since that time, additional world-renowned manufactures have landed in Hesston such as the Stanley-Black and Decker Corporation which bought Excel Industries and manufactures a line of residential and commercial lawn equipment.
Hesston was originally inhabited by the Osage and Kansa Native American tribes, who hunted buffalo and other game on the prairie. The first white settlers arrived in the 1860s, attracted by the Homestead Act and the availability of land. Among them were Christian Krehbiel and Valentine Krehbiel, two brothers who were Mennonites from Switzerland. They established a Mennonite community in the vicinity of Hesston, which became known as the Halstead-Hesston Settlement. The Mennonites brought with them their pacifist beliefs, their agricultural skills, and their distinctive architecture and culture.
In 1886, the Missouri Pacific Railroad built a line through the area and established a station at Hesston. The railroad company also platted the town and sold lots to prospective residents and businesses. The town grew rapidly, as it became a shipping point for grain, livestock, and other products. Hesston was incorporated as a city in 1891, with a population of about 400. The first mayor was J.B. Schowalter, a prominent Mennonite businessman and leader. The city also had a post office, a school, a church, a hotel, a bank, a newspaper, and several stores and shops.
In the early 1900s, Hesston continued to develop as a rural and agricultural center. The city benefited from the presence of the railroad, which provided transportation and communication links to other markets and regions. The city also had a diverse and active civic and social life, with various clubs, organizations, and events. In 1909, the Hesston Chautauqua was established, which was a cultural and educational program that featured lectures, concerts, and entertainment. The Chautauqua lasted until 1924 and attracted thousands of visitors from nearby towns and counties. In 1909, Hesston also became the site of Hesston College, a two-year Mennonite liberal arts college. The college was founded by the Western District Conference of the Mennonite Church, which wanted to provide higher education for its young people. The college initially operated in a rented building, but soon acquired its own campus and facilities. The college offered courses in arts, sciences, theology, and teacher education. The college also had a strong emphasis on service and mission and sent many of its graduates to work in foreign countries and domestic social agencies.
In the mid-1900s, Hesston experienced a significant change in its economy and identity, as it became a major manufacturing hub. The catalyst for this transformation was Lyle Yost, a local farmer and inventor who founded the Hesston Corporation in 1947. The Hesston Corporation was a company that specialized in producing agricultural equipment, such as balers, windrowers, and combines. The company was innovative and successful, and soon became a leader in the industry. The company also created a loyal and dedicated workforce and provided many jobs and benefits for the community. The Hesston Corporation was acquired by AGCO in 1991, but it still operates in Hesston under the AGCO Hesston brand.
What makes Hesston special?
Hesston, like many other rural communities throughout Kansas and the Midwest region, has faced daunting challenges and life altering opportunities, as it adapted to the changing times and circumstances. Because of its strong agricultural heritage, the city has been affected by the global and national trends of urbanization, globalization, and technological advancement, which had an impact on its population, economy, and culture. The city also experienced some natural and man-made disasters, such as the 1990 tornado, the 2016 mass shooting, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested its resilience and solidarity. The city also celebrated some achievements and milestones, such as the 1988 centennial and the 2009 sesquicentennial, which showcased its history and heritage.
Hesston is a vibrant and diverse city, with a population of about 3,800. The city has a strong and stable economy, based on manufacturing, agriculture, education, and health care. The city also has a rich and varied culture, influenced by its Mennonite roots, its immigrant communities, and its cosmopolitan outlook. The city also has a high quality of life, with excellent public services, amenities, and facilities. The city also has a vision and a plan for the future, with goals and strategies for growth, development, and sustainability.
