Wakarusa Township
Township
Lakeview Lake
Lakeview Lake
Location in Douglas County
Location in Douglas County
Coordinates: 38°56′10″N 095°15′21″W / 38.93611°N 95.25583°W / 38.93611; -95.25583
CountryUnited States
StateKansas
CountyDouglas
Area
 • Total46.74 sq mi (121.07 km2)
 • Land45.9 sq mi (118.87 km2)
 • Water0.85 sq mi (2.19 km2)  1.81%
Elevation
866 ft (264 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total2,318
 • Density50/sq mi (19/km2)
GNIS feature ID0479514

Wakarusa Township is a township in Douglas County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2010 census, its population was 2,318. It was named for the Wakarusa River which flows through Douglas County from Wabaunsee County to the Kansas River near Eudora.

Geography

Wakarusa Township covers an area of 46.74 square miles (121.1 km2) surrounding the county seat of Lawrence. According to the USGS, it contains one cemetery, Richland.

Lake View Lake is within this township. The streams of Baldwin Creek, Burroughs Creek, Coal Creek, Washington Creek and Yankee Tank Creek run through this township.

Adjacent townships

Towns and settlements

Although these towns may not be incorporated or populated, they are still placed on maps produced by the county. The city of Lawrence is considered governmentally independent and is not included on this list.

Transportation

Wakarusa Township is served directly by one interstate highway, one state highway and one national highway:

Direct Routes

Wakarusa Township is served with direct routes to one interstate highway, two national highways and one state highway:

Places of interest

  • Wells Overlook. A county-owned park with a watchtower that offers a scenic view of the surrounding area, including Lawrence. The overlook was used during the Bleeding Kansas era as a look out for pro-slavery threats.
  • Lake View. A natural oxbow lake formed from the Kansas River. Lake View was once a popular lakeside resort and still has a small population today.
  • The Baker Wetlands are between the Lawrence city limits and the Wakarusa River along 31st Street and supports various species of plants, birds and animals.
  • The townsite of Franklin, along K-10, was once a pro-slavery town that competed with Lawrence. When Lawrence was burned in 1863 most of the houses were moved to help with the rebuilding.

References

  • "Township of Wakarusa". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. October 13, 1978. Retrieved July 15, 2009.


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