Named for a Market Center in Greece, Emporia was founded on February 20th, 1857 as a business venture and was described as "the loveliest site in the world for a town". Two thousand settlers came to Emporia that first year. By 1870, less than 20 years after its founding, Emporia was beginning to think of itself as a young city. The arrival of the railroad the year before and the creation of the State Normal School in Emporia seven years earlier had drawn settlers, traders and new business to town. Emporia had gone from virgin prairie to tamed farmland, from a few tents to a thriving community with a vital downtown.

 St. Patrick's Auction  Stay tuned for 2009        event details!
                                                              A benefit auction will be held in February 2009. The auction is scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M.  Items in the auction include original works of art, sports memorabilia, unique St. Patrick’s Day items, and so much more!  Proceeds from the auction to benefit a charity dedicated to the Youth in our community.  Past recipients have included the Emporia Arts Council, Emporia Friends of the Zoo, Emporia State University Scholarship Fund, Lyon County Historical Museum, Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance, Sacred Heart School Playground Project, Camp Alexander and more!  To donate to this event or for information call Beverly Durham at 342-2092.