Elwood

Elwood originally named Roseport after William Rose was established in 1856. Elwood was reorganized in 1857 and named after the the townsite company president John B. Elwood. Early Elwood was a town on the rise, projected to outgrow its Missouri neighbor St. Joseph.

On December 1, 1859, United States President Abraham Lincoln made a speech at Elwood’s Great Western Hotel. Elwood was President Lincolns first stop in Kansas for his 1860 campaign.

Ravaged by floods from the mighty MO over its long-standing history gave Elwood the nickname of the “Survival City.” Elwood continues to survive and thrive. Backed by a Federal Levee System with continued improvements allows Elwood’s residents safety form the waters of the Missouri.

Many businesses and industries call Elwood home. Known for its down-home atmosphere and quite living, Elwood remains a wonderful place to raise a family.