| Detroit, Kansas | |
| Settlement Type: | CDP |
| Image Map1: | Map of Dickinson Co, Ks, USA.png |
| Map Caption1: | KDOT map of Dickinson County (legend) |
| Pushpin Map: | Kansas#USA |
| Pushpin Label: | Detroit |
| Pushpin Label Position: | left |
| Coordinates: | 38.9361°N -97.1267°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Kansas |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Dickinson |
| Subdivision Type3: | Township |
| Established Title: | Founded |
| Established Title1: | Platted |
| Named For: | Detroit |
| Area Total Km2: | 0.89 |
| Area Land Km2: | 0.89 |
| Area Water Km2: | 0.0 |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Elevation Ft: | 1194 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Total: | 102 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | auto |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone: | CST |
| Utc Offset: | -6 |
| Timezone Dst: | CDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -5 |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP code |
| Area Code Type: | Area code |
| Area Code: | 785 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS ID |
| Blank1 Info: | 2583498 |
Detroit is a census-designated place (CDP) in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 102.[1]
The community was named after Detroit, Michigan.[2] In the early years of the county, Detroit was once strongly considered to be the county seat because Abilene was considered to be "too wild" of a town to serve as a center of government. However, Abilene became the county seat and Detroit ceased to grow from that point forward.[3]
A post office was opened in Detroit in 1866, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1961.[4]
Detroit was a station on the Union Pacific Railroad.[5]
Detroit is located halfway between Abilene and Chapman, 2miles north of Enterprise. The town is at an elevation of above sea level.[6]
Detroit is a "square" town, two blocks long and two blocks wide. The three north-south streets are Main, Middle, and School. The three east-west streets are First, Second, and Third. There are no more streets in Detroit. All six streets are unpaved.
At one time Detroit maintained an active store and grocery, a train depot, a nightclub, a school and a church. In recent years most buildings have collapsed or been renovated for use as a dwelling. The one exception is the pub. Although it has changed ownership and its official business name, locals have simply referred to it as "The Midway" or "The Beer Joint". Because of its proximity to the intersection of county roads, it has become a local landmark.
In 1898, a newspaper titled The Detroit Free Press attempted to build circulation. Records are not found past the first year of 1898.[7] It does not appear to have any connection to the Detroit Free Press published in Detroit, Michigan.[8]
Agriculture and agriculture-related businesses are the primary economic industries.
The United States Post Office operated a branch in Detroit that opened on April 6, 1866, and ceased operation on June 23, 1961.[9]
The community is served by Chapman USD 473 public school district.