Pottawatomie River.
Cresco, Kansas, is an extinct town in Anderson County.
The Cresco Town Company was formed on May 16, 1857, with John S. Robinson, President; William C. Howard, Treasurer; and Solomon Kauffman, Secretary. Late in 1857, the Town Company erected a steam sawmill on a branch of the Pottawatomie River.
The company was incorporated in February 1858. Several buildings were erected during the summer. William C. Howard opened a blacksmith shop, and James C. Kelso opened a wagon shop. On July 13, 1858, the post office was established, and W. C. Howard was appointed postmaster. The town became a stage stop between Hyatt and Mineral Point on the Leavenworth to Dodge City Line.
In 1859, many area citizens followed the Colorado Goldrush to Pike’s Peak. Soon, the voting place was moved to Central City.
Its post office closed on October 14, 1868. It reopened briefly on February 7, 1891, but closed several months later on July 31, 1891.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of Kansas, updated October 2024
Also See:
Extinct Towns in Anderson County
Sources:
Anderson County Historical Society
Cutler, William G; History of Kansas; A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL, 1883.