The boundaries for Republic County were set by the Kansas State Legislature in 1860. Captain Zebulon Pike had come to this region as well as the Pawnee Village in 1806. The first stars and stripes flag to be flown over Kansas was at this Village on September 29, 1806. Republic County trails led to the Village and also to Waconda Springs. Forts were built to protect both Kansas settlers, and those traveling to the West. Colony House was built in Scandia (1868), followed by Fort Nonsense in Belleville Township, and Fort Lookout in Big Bend Township. Fords on the Republican River helped the area grow. A ferry service at Scandia, near Warwick, began operation in 1871.
From the description of Republic County (Kan.) history collection, 1874-1876. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 52465302
