Founded: 1871 Elev.: 1696 feet. Population: 229 (2000). Located in the
Northwest Region of the state, in eastern
Phillips County and southeast of
Phillipsburg. Kirwin is situated between Glade and
Caldwell along Highway 9 near both
Kirwin Reservoir and
Solomon River.
The town is named for Camp Kirwan, a nearby stockade, which was the first permanent settlement in Phillips county. The Stockade was used by the 12th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalary during the summer of 1865. Colonel John S. Kirwan, the regimental commander, had patrolled Kansas as a private in the 1st U. S. Cavalry just before the Civil War. His reminiscences of the 1860 campaign were published in the Winter, 1955 issue of the Kansas Historical Quarterly.
Special Events in Kirwin:
- Annual Old Settlers Day first Saturday in October. features a 5K race, parade, home talent play, horse show, games and food
- Annual Craft Fair - first Saturday in November.
