Chester N. James founded Augusta in 1868, naming the town after his wife, Augusta. He and Wm. Shamleffer also erected the first building in Augusta, The Shamleffer and James General Store.
The Beginning of Augusta Chester N. James, Augusta's town founder, came to Butler County in 1868 at the age of 32. He and Mr. Wm. Shamleffer purchased 80 acres of what is now downtown Augusta, for $40.00. Mr. James, who managed the Shamleffer and James General Store - the first building erected in the city of Augusta - established the Augusta Post Office and served as Postmaster for six years. He took an active role in the organization of both the Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge. Instrumental in all aspects of the town's development, he became Augusta's first Mayor and was Superintendent of School for six years. He also served as Justice of the Peace and was elected Clerk of the District Court for four consecutive years.
Augusta James, wife of Chester N. James, also came to Butler County in 1868 with her husband. When it became time to establish a post office, it was realized that the settlement would need a name. An election was held and Augusta took the honor. It is said her name was chosen because of her generosity and friendliness to all. Mr. and Mrs. James moved from the area sometime in the mid 1880's.
Historic information from Images in Time, Augusta 1868 - 1968, a pictoral book compiled by Virginia Belt and Doylene Foreman.
Augusta Today
Augusta, Kansas Augusta is located in Butler County, ten miles east of the Wichita metro area. In 2003, the estimated population was 8,486.
Nearby Parks and Recreation Augusta City Lake Butler State Park El Dorado State Lake Santa Fe Lake
Local Festivals Grasshopper Festival
Crime The number of violent crimes recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 35. The number of murders and homicides was 0. The violent crime rate was 4.1 per 1,000 people.
