About Bourbon County
Bourbon County is located in the southeastern corner of Kansas, bordered by Missouri to the east. Established in 1855, the county was named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, reflecting the Southern heritage of many early settlers. The county seat is Fort Scott, a historic city founded in 1842 as a military fort on the permanent Indian frontier. Bourbon County encompasses approximately 640 square miles and had a population of approximately 14,360 as of the 2020 Census. The county is characterized by rolling prairie lands, timber, and fertile agricultural areas.
- Key county offices include the Bourbon County Clerk at the Courthouse, the Bourbon County Register of Deeds (also at the Courthouse), and the Bourbon County Appraiser's Office at 210 S.
Major landmarks include the Fort Scott National Historic Site, a restored frontier military fort that attracts thousands of visitors annually, and the Gordon Parks Museum, honoring the renowned photographer and filmmaker born in Fort Scott. The Bourbon County Courthouse, located at 210 S. National Avenue in Fort Scott, serves as the administrative center.
National Avenue, Suite 105. The economy historically centered on agriculture, coal mining, and brick manufacturing. Today, the county balances its rich historical heritage with modern agricultural operations, small manufacturing, and tourism related to its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and historic sites.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees patrol duties, criminal investigations, and the operation of the county jail. It also processes arrests and maintains criminal records for the county. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community engagement and offers programs such as neighborhood watch initiatives and educational outreach to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Bourbon County is provided by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Fort Scott Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles rural and county-wide issues, while municipal departments focus on city-specific law enforcement. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, located at 303 S. National Avenue in Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (620) 223-1440 and maintains a website at bourboncountykansas.org where citizens can access information about services and operations. The agency operates the Bourbon County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
- Citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or local police departments to obtain arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs.
- Kansas law requires agencies to respond to open records requests promptly, typically within three business days, though retrieval fees may apply.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are considered public records in Kansas and can be requested from the agency that made the arrest.
Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting in person during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Fort Scott Police Department within the city limits of Fort Scott, and the Fulton Police Department serves the city of Fulton. Smaller municipalities may contract with the Sheriff's Office for police services.
Under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.), arrest records and booking information are generally public records. Some third-party websites aggregate booking photos, but official records should be obtained directly from law enforcement agencies.
The county does not have tribal jurisdiction or special federal law enforcement zones beyond standard interagency cooperation.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Bourbon County maintains a comprehensive criminal records system that includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments manage these records, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the KBI, which offers a centralized database for statewide records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bourbon County are maintained by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. These records typically include the individual's name, charges, arresting officer, and booking details. The Kansas Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Bourbon County Jail, located in Fort Scott, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines. Bail can be posted through the court system, following Kansas state regulations, which allow for cash or surety bonds.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bourbon County are taken and retained by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office at the time of booking. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Kansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are acquitted. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to request mugshot access or removal.
Courts & Case Records
Bourbon County is served by the Third Judicial District Court of Kansas, which has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, juvenile, and domestic relations cases. The Bourbon County District Court is located at 210 S. National Avenue, Room 201, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, and can be reached at (620) 223-3800. The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding small claims limits, divorces, child custody disputes, probate matters, and appeals from municipal courts.
- The Kansas Judicial Branch operates an online case search system at www.kscourts.org, where citizens can search civil and criminal cases by party name or case number for a small per-document fee.
- Copy fees are generally $1.00 per page for standard documents.
- Certified copies, required for official purposes, carry an additional certification fee.
Kansas Municipal Courts operate in Fort Scott and other incorporated cities within Bourbon County, handling traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. These municipal courts have limited jurisdiction and are not courts of record for serious criminal matters. The Kansas District Courts maintain public access to most court records under K.S.A.
20-166, which establishes that court records are presumed open unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk of the District Court office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Probate records, adoption records, and certain juvenile matters may have restricted access to protect privacy interests as specified under Kansas law.
Property & Public Records
The Bourbon County Register of Deeds, located at 210 S. National Avenue in the Bourbon County Courthouse, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (620) 223-3722 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments. These records date back to the county's founding in 1855. Kansas law (K.S.A.
- 19-1201 et seq.) requires the Register of Deeds to record and index all properly executed documents presented for recording upon payment of the appropriate fees.
- The Bourbon County Register of Deeds offers public access to land records, and many Kansas counties have implemented online search systems, though availability varies.
- Standard recording fees apply based on the number of pages and type of document.
- The Appraiser's office typically provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool or parcel viewer allowing the public to search property by address, parcel number, or owner name.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds for official purposes, with certification fees added to standard copy costs.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bourbon County, Kansas, are managed at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Bourbon County can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics (KDHE), located at Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120, Topeka, Kansas 66612-2221. The KDHE can be reached at (785) 296-1400 and processes requests for certified copies of Kansas birth and death certificates.
- Birth certificates typically cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates are similarly priced.
- Processing time is generally 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/vital/ or through authorized third-party vendors like VitalChek for faster processing.
- Couples must appear in person to apply, provide valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee (typically around $85).
- Certified copies can be requested from the Bourbon County District Court Clerk for divorces finalized in Bourbon County.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bourbon County, Kansas, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Bourbon County Clerk's office, located at 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, (620) 223-3800, handles certain local business filings and may maintain records of businesses operating within the county.
- This database provides formation dates, registered agent information, business addresses, and filing status.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and trade names (doing business as/DBA), businesses must file with the Kansas Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.kssos.org/business/business.html where the public can search for registered business entities by name, registered agent, or business ID number at no charge. Sales tax permits are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, and professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, contractors, etc.) are regulated by various Kansas state licensing boards.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by the City of Fort Scott or other municipalities within Bourbon County, and applicants should contact city clerk offices directly. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Bourbon County Planning and Zoning Department or by municipal planning departments in incorporated cities. The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 231 E.
Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, (620) 223-3340, website www.fortscott.com, provides resources and networking opportunities for local businesses and maintains directories of chamber members and local economic development information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bourbon County, Kansas, are administered by the Bourbon County Clerk and Election Officer, located at 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The office can be reached at (620) 223-3800, and election information is available through the county website at bourboncountykansas.org. Voter registration in Kansas is overseen by the Secretary of State, and residents can register online at www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx or submit paper applications to the County Election Office.
- Kansas law requires voters to register at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- The County Election Office maintains these records and provides access upon request.
- Bourbon County voter turnout in recent general elections has typically ranged from 55-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Kansas counties.
- In the 2024 general election, turnout was approximately 60% of registered voters.
- Advance voting by mail (absentee voting) is available to all registered Kansas voters without requiring an excuse.
Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, Kansas residents, and at least 18 years old by the election date. Polling places for Bourbon County voters are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries.
Voters can find their specific polling location by contacting the County Election Office or checking online at the Kansas Secretary of State's voter portal at www.sos.ks.gov/elections/voter. Kansas election records are public under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) and include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, campaign finance reports, and ballot issue materials.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include Kansas gubernatorial race, all Kansas State Legislature seats, U.S. House of Representatives seats, and one U.S. Senate seat, along with various local offices and ballot questions.
Applications for advance ballots can be submitted to the Bourbon County Election Office by mail, in person, or online through the Kansas Secretary of State portal. The application deadline is typically the Tuesday before Election Day at 5:00 PM. Completed ballots must be received by the County Election Office by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted.
Kansas law (K.S.A. 25-1122 et seq.) governs election administration and transparency, ensuring citizens can observe counting processes and request election-related public records.
Economy & Demographics
Bourbon County's economy historically relied heavily on agriculture, coal mining, and manufacturing, particularly brick and tile production. Today, the economy remains diversified with agriculture continuing as a significant sector, including cattle ranching, crop production (corn, soybeans, wheat), and hay farming. The median household income in Bourbon County is estimated at approximately $45,000-$48,000, somewhat below the Kansas state median, reflecting the county's rural character and smaller economic base.
- The Southeast Kansas Works workforce development initiative provides job training and placement services.
Major employers include Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, which provides healthcare services and employs several hundred workers, the Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott USD 234 school district, and the City of Fort Scott government. Manufacturing remains present with companies like Evergreen Packaging Corporation and other smaller manufacturers. Retail trade, social services, and hospitality related to tourism at the Fort Scott National Historic Site contribute to the local economy.
The Fort Scott National Historic Site alone attracts approximately 30,000 visitors annually, supporting hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses in Fort Scott. Unemployment rates in Bourbon County have typically tracked slightly above Kansas state averages, fluctuating between 4-6% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on downtown revitalization, heritage tourism expansion, small business support, and attraction of light manufacturing.
The county benefits from its location near US Highway 69 and proximity to the Kansas City and Tulsa metropolitan areas, though distance from major urban centers presents challenges for economic growth. There are no tribal lands or significant tribal economic enterprises within Bourbon County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (statewide portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online (contact Appraiser) | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (state) | Business: ✅ Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Accessible | Overall Score: 7/10 — Bourbon County provides moderate digital access to public records. State-level systems offer strong online access for courts, business entities, and vital records, while county-level property and jail records require more direct contact with offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Bourbon County
Nearby Counties
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