Marion County • Est. 1870 • Pop. ~394
City of
Florence, Kansas
Official municipal government — home of the Harvey House Museum, one of the last Fred Harvey establishments in Kansas.
I Want To…
Common tasks — fast access to city services
The Florence Harvey House Museum
Step into the golden age of American railroad travel. The Florence Harvey House — known as the Clifton Hotel — is one of the last remaining establishments of Fred Harvey's legendary hospitality empire that transformed dining along the Santa Fe Railway.
In the 1870s, Fred Harvey set a new standard for American travel: fine dining, spotless linen tablecloths, and impeccable service at every Santa Fe depot stop. His famous Harvey Girls — the young women who served as waitstaff — became icons of the West. Florence was one of the first Harvey House stops, and this building stands as a living piece of that history.
Contact the Florence Historical Society for research, archives, and deeper local history. Get in touch →
Historic Florence
Florence's landmarks tell the story of a Kansas frontier town built on the iron road — the water tower that served the steam engines, the churches that anchored the community.
-
The 1887 Water Tower
Built to supply water to the Santa Fe Railway's steam locomotives, Florence's historic water tower is a rare surviving example of railroad-era infrastructure on the Kansas prairie.
-
St. Patrick Catholic Church
One of Florence's enduring landmarks, St. Patrick's has served the faith community of the Cottonwood Valley since the frontier era, standing as a testament to the town's pioneer spirit.
City Services & Departments
Access Florence city services online or contact City Hall at (620) 878-4296, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Finance & Administration
City Clerk
Permits & Planning
Community Services
Local Businesses & Community
Florence may be small, but its community spirit is big. Shop local, eat local, bank local — right here on the Cottonwood River.
-
Rusty Spur Saloon
The heart of Main Street social life. Cold drinks, Western atmosphere, Florence's favorite gathering spot.
-
Town and Country Cafe
Home cooking and community conversation. A Florence institution for daily specials and good company.
-
Cottonwood Valley Bank
Community banking rooted in the Cottonwood Valley. Local decisions, local people, local service.
-
Doyle Creek's Branding Iron
Western goods and ranch supplies. The name says it all — this is Kansas cattle country heritage.
-
Jumpstart Stores
Convenience and essentials for the community. Quick stop for daily needs right in Florence.
-
Florence Historical Society
Preserving the railroad heritage, Harvey House legacy, and pioneer history of the Cottonwood Valley. Contact for archives →
Pay Your Utility Bill Online
Florence utility billing covers water, sewer, and trash collection. Pay online 24/7 — no trip to City Hall required. Questions? Call (620) 878-4296.
- Secure online payment — no account required
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Credit card, debit card, and ACH accepted
- Prefer in person? City Hall: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
City Council Meetings & Agendas
Council meetings are open to all Florence residents. Your voice matters in city governance.
Regular Meeting Schedule
-
City Council Regular Session 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Florence City Hall • 511 Main St, Florence KS 66851
-
Special Sessions As needed — posted at least 3 days in advance Per Kansas Open Meetings Act (K.S.A. 75-4317)
Notice: Agendas are posted at City Hall and on this website at least 3 days before each meeting, per the Kansas Open Meetings Act.
City Government
Florence operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, serving approximately 394 residents in the heart of Marion County, Kansas.
Elected Officials
-
MayorContact City Hall for current mayor information
-
City CouncilContact City Hall for current council member information
Florence city elections are held in November of odd years. Voter registration: Kansas SOS.
Our Railroad Heritage
Florence was established in 1870 along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway corridor. Named by Governor Samuel Crawford for his daughter Florence Crawford, the town grew as a vital stop on the AT&SF line connecting Kansas to the West.
The Cottonwood River Valley was home to pioneer and Native American communities long before the railroad arrived. The Florence Harvey House — originally the Clifton Hotel, purchased by Fred Harvey in 1877 and opened as a Harvey House in 1878 — represents the pinnacle of 19th-century hospitality along the iron road.
City Hall Hours & Service Hours
Hours for City Hall and Florence facilities. Managed directly from the owner portal — updates appear here live.
- City Hall Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Swimming Pool (Summer) See Facebook page for current hours
- Harvey House Museum Tours by reservation — call (620) 878-4296
Upcoming Events
Council meetings, museum events, and community gatherings.
-
Jul 14City Council Regular Session
Florence City Hall, 511 Main St. 7:00 p.m. Open to the public.
-
Jul 20Harvey House Dinner & Tour
Historic dinner experience at the Florence Harvey House Museum. Reservation required — call (620) 878-4296.
News & Announcements
Stay informed about what's happening in Florence. Check back regularly for city notices, project updates, and community events.
-
Jun 10 2026
Summer Pool Hours Now in Effect — Florence Swimming Pool Open for the Season
The Florence Swimming Pool is open for the season. Check the Florence Swimming Pool Facebook group for current hours, schedule updates, and weather closures.
-
Jun 2 2026
Harvey House Museum Guided Tours and Historic Dinners Available by Reservation This Summer
Step back into the golden age of railroad travel. The Florence Harvey House Museum is booking guided tours and period dinners for summer 2026. One of the few remaining Fred Harvey establishments in Kansas. Call (620) 878-4296 to reserve.
-
May 2026
Water Utility Rate Review — Public Comment Period Open
The City is conducting a utility rate review. Residents are invited to submit written comments to City Hall. Contact (620) 878-4296 for the current deadline and details.
Contact City Hall
Florence City Hall serves ~394 residents with a dedicated small staff. We are here to help Monday through Friday.
City Hall
Florence, KS 66851
Send a Message
Accessibility Statement
The City of Florence is committed to ensuring this website is accessible to all residents, including people with disabilities. This site is designed to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. If you experience any accessibility barriers, please contact City Hall at (620) 878-4296 or Florencekansas@yahoo.com.