Place:Monticello, Johnson, Kansas, United States

Town of Monticello

Monticello historically was an unincorporated town in the central part of the township of Monticello, county of Johnson, state of Kansas, United States of America. Today it is a part of the incorporated city of Shawnee.

History

The town was laid out in June 1857 by Col. A. Payne, president of the town company; W.J. McCarthy, Secretary; Major M.P. Rively, Dr. W.D. Bull, Dr. R.M. Davenport, Capt. H.C. Duna, Merril Smith, and L. Greening, members of the county. A majority of the town company and first citizens were originally from southern states, and hence held southern views in regard to the political questions of the day.

The first business house was erected by Rich & Rively, general dealers, who did a very extensive business till the breaking out of the Civil War. Judge J.M. Reed built the first hotel, which was accidentally burned during the war. In 1859 the town was greatly damaged, or in fact nearly destroyed by the destructive tornado that swept over the county.

Research Tips

Bibliography

See the entries for Johnson County.

Resources

• Monticello Community Historical Society