(By Diane Dowell)
"Beyond the City Limits" typically refers to areas outside the defined boundaries of a city (Salina) or urban area. These regions can vary widely in characteristics such as population density, infrastructure, and economic activities compared to urban centers. They often include rural areas, and sometimes wilderness or agricultural zones. Exploring beyond the city limits can provide contrasting perspectives on lifestyle, environment, and community dynamics compared to city life.
LET'S GO on a little road trip around Saline County! 🚗
11th Stops:
SALEMSBORG & BRIDGEPORT, KS
Salemsborg
Salemsborg can be located at the intersections of Burma Road and Salemsborg Roads, just 10 miles southwest of Salina.
The community was settled by a group from Galesburg and Swedonia in 1869. The Salemsborg Lutheran Church and cemetery were established during this same year and are still being utilized today. An additional Fellowship Center was built in 2004, adjacent to the church's parking lot.
The Salemsborg Lutheran Church towers above the few buildings and homes that remain in the area. The church can be seen from miles away.
The town once had a post office but it closed in 1902. In 1910, the population was an astounding 35.
Festivities for Halloween draw in many people from across the area to attend the Haunted Forest in Salemsborg. It's been 20 years of scaring folks and the crowd keeps growing each year. Be sure to mark it as a destination for 2025!
For the past 20 years, there has been an attraction for Halloween that draws in many guests.
Bridgeport, KS
Exit signage on I-135 heading north. Bridgeport is a short distance to the east of the exit.
Located 15 miles south of Salina, Bridgeport is an unincorporated community. In 1879 the post office was opened and was closed on July 17, 1976.
The town had a grist mill that was operated by cable power derived from the Smoky Hill River. As with most small towns, there was a railroad that serviced the population. In the early years of 1890s, the community had a telegraph and express offices, a money order post office that had two rural routes and a population of 120. According to the 2020 census, the population had plummeted to 64.
The business is set up inside the office portion of the elevator.
As we conclude our drive around Saline County, let's take a moment to look at a few ghost towns that were once a place on the Saline Co. map:
1. Appin 1873-1875
2. Berwick 1881-1885
3. Black Warrior 1871 The post office was open for less than three months
4. Broadview 1875-1879 The post office moved to Torry
5. Chico/Bridge 1877-1897 The name changed from Bridge to Chico on 4.27.1886
6. Crown Point 1879-1892
7. Digby/Gypsum Creek 1869-1887 The name changed from Gypsum Creek to Digby on 10.21.1886
8. Dry Creek 1877-1887
9. Hebron 1874 The post office was only open for about six months
10. Iron Mound 1866-1868
11. Lesterville 1872-1875
12. Marietta 1874 The post office was open for less than five months
13. Marydel 1885-1891
14. Mulberry 1871-1890
15. Oasis 1873-1875 / 1879-1880
16. Poheta 1870-1887
17. Sabra 1867-1870
18. Shipton/York 1888-1895 The name changed from York to Shipton on 3.29.1890
19. Strickler 1899-1901
20. Torry 1879-1886 The post office moved from Broadview
21. Trenton/Nasby 1885-1898 The name changed from Nasby to Trenton on 4.29.1887
22. Valley 1870-1872
23. Wonderly 1888-1906
Here is a little information on a community NOT listed above:
There was also a settlement close to Falun known as "Bismark Grove" or the Falun Colored Colony. It was a smaller, less well-documented settlement in the 1880s. It was settled by a group of African Americans who were likely part of the same migration movement seeking better opportunities in the Great Plains. However, the colony did not flourish (like Nicodemus in western Kansas), and many of its residents eventually moved on to other areas or assimilated into the nearby communities.
Exploring our small communities of Saline County is like stepping back in time. Echoes of the past linger in the wind, and the silent streets tell tales of days gone by. Each of these stops revealed a new layer that will one day be history. We got a glimpse into communities that once thrived but are now dwindling away. Some are almost abandoned places; they're almost a ghost town.
As my road trip journey ends, I can't help but carry the beauty these stops have presented. I'm originally from a small farming community and these stops got me reminiscing about my earlier years. If you embrace the simplicity of small towns and their close-knit bonds, you can find a quiet and deeply connected community.
I appreciate you all for riding along and being my co-pilot on this road-trip around Saline County. Now it's time to kick up my feet and relax as I head HOME and welcome in 2025.
~Diane