Visit Arvonia

Arvonia Kansas, a small historic Welsh Community filled with Welsh spirit where the past and present unite to bring you an interesting and entertaining future.

Founded in 1859, Arvonia, Kansas thrived with businesses from a cheese factory, 3 churches, the Dooley Hotel, a sawmill, 2 blacksmith shops, a township hall, school and coal mining.  The town was settled by Welsh immigrants who had been promised productive land by John Mather Jones, owner and editor of the Welsh American newspaper.  Having bought land here he advertised back east and to Wales what all this rich land on the banks of the Marias des Cygne River had to offer those willing to move west.  Jones painted a picture that promised a wonderful future. Some newspaper articles referred to this area as “the land of milk and honey” The town grew to over 700 residents.  Hopes of a railroad coming to Arvonia were dashed several times. Residents moved to surrounding towns when the railroad companies chose other routes. A Yale educated minister residing in Arvonia felt that a college was needed.  The college never materialized but the cornerstone remains in the pasture west of the school.

Arvonia is now home to almost 15 residents.  We love it here and share the Welsh spirit and hospitality with those who visit. We offer programs, field trips and tours that educate others by giving information about not only the history of Arvonia but the tradition of the Welsh heritage and culture that influenced the building of this community.  This would include past residents and landowners that were descendants of Prince Owain Glyndwr, the last true Prince of Wales.

Fun facts

Descendants of Prince Owain Glynder, the last true Prince of Wales owned property in Arvonia. There is a creek with the Pulestin name.

Evidence has shown that John Mather Jones bought “Old Bob”, Abraham Lincoln’s horse that followed his funeral procession.  Old Bob’s last days were lived out in Arvonia.