Our Community

Although some may think of its name as a political statement, Liberal really got its name from a spirit of hospitality and generosity. In the 1880's water was a rare commodity in Southwest Kansas. Travelers and ranchers needed a place to rest their livestock and quench their thirst as they headed west. Available water was often very expensive.

S.S Rogers homesteaded in this area, digging a well for his own use. Visitors were always granted permission to use the well and always offered to pay for the privilege. "Water is always free here," was Rogers' reply.

Visitors' reply of , "that's mighty liberal of you," helped the area become known as "the Liberal well" and travelers were encouraged to stop. Just a few miles off the southern Santa Fe Trail route, Liberal became an important stop in the history of the westward migration. Rogers later added a store and some people decided to stay and farm this area. In 1886, he put a post office in his store, and in 1888, the small community known as Liberal, KS was incorporated. Today, the citizens remain “liberal” with their hospitality and friendliness.

A major retail trade center for Southwest Kansas and a five- state area, Liberal offers a large variety of retail and service businesses. A Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project has been completed in the core area of town. Shopping malls are located in both the south and north ends of town and a diverse range of industrial and agribusiness employment is also available.
Numerous recreational, historical and community opportunities, along with a varied selection of homes, make Liberal a very desirable
place to live. For more information visit: cityofliberal.com.