Lenora is a city located in Norton County, Kansas, United States. It is situated in the northwestern portion of the state, approximately 13 miles south of the city of Norton, the county seat.
History
Lenora was established in 1873 and named in honor of Lenora Beatrice Gandy, the daughter of a local pioneer and member of the town company. The community served as a local trading point for the surrounding agricultural area. It was officially incorporated as a city of the third class in 1887. During the late 19th century, the expansion of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad facilitated the growth of the town, allowing for the transport of livestock and grain.
Geography
Lenora is located at 39°36′30″N 99°53′39″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of approximately 0.48 square miles (1.24 square kilometers), all of which is land. It is positioned near the South Fork of the Solomon River.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Lenora was 207. The population has seen a general decline since the mid-20th century, mirroring trends observed in many rural agricultural communities across the Great Plains. The 2010 census recorded a population of 250, while the peak population was historically significantly higher during the early 1900s.
Education and Infrastructure
The community is served by the West Solomon Valley Unified School District 213, which operates facilities in Lenora. Transportation to and from the city is primarily facilitated by Kansas Highway 9 (K-9), which runs east-west through the town. Public services include a local post office, which has been in operation since 1874.