Population 2000: 975; Elevation: 603 meters (1980 feet). Located in
Southwest Region of the state, in
Clark County and southeast of
Dodge City. The town is along Highway 160 near
Clark County State Lake and the
Cimarron River. Ashland is the Clark County Seat.
Ashland was established by relocated Kentuckians who named the town for Henry Clay's home in Kentucky. The location of the town was chosen because it was at the junction of two early frontier trails: The SantaFe Trail" from SantaFe to Sun City KS, {Barber County) and the other from Texas to Fort Dodge - 1865 to 1882. The fledgling economy was founded on supplying the needs of travelers as well as area ranchers, and it had a reputation as a rambunctious town. Oil was discovered in the area in the thirties, causing a small boom.
