1857Government
== History ==
Located on upland prairie, Emporia was founded in 1857, drawing its name from ancient Carthage, a place known in history as a prosperous center of commerce.
1864Military
In 1864, the Union Pacific Railway, Southern Branch (later incorporated into the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad) received land grants to build from Fort Riley to Emporia.
1869Infrastructure
The road eventually reached Emporia in 1869, becoming the first railroad to serve the burgeoning town.
1870Military
In July 1870, a second railroad, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reached Emporia, and in the years following the American Civil War the city became a booming railroad ...
1882Education
From 1882 to 1974, the private College of Emporia previously existed, and since the city had two colleges during its early years, it was sometimes called the "Athens of Kansas".
1934History
The hottest temperature recorded in Emporia was 116 °F (46.7 °C) on July 15, 1934, and August 14, 1936, while the coldest temperature recorded was −24 °F (−31.1 °C) on January 4...
1952History
The Braum dairy store chain, based in Oklahoma City, originated in Emporia in 1952 under the name Peter Pan.
1953History
In 1953, Emporia was the site of the first Veterans Day observance in the United States.
1954History
Eisenhower signed the bill into law on October 8, 1954.
1971History
The city was served by Santa Fe passenger trains until the creation of Amtrak in 1971.
1974Disaster
On June 8, 1974, an F4 tornado struck Emporia, killing 6 people, injuring 200, and causing $25 million in damages.
1983History
It dramatized an actual event in Emporia involving the 1983 death of Sandra Bird.
1987Crime
=== In popular culture ===
The 1987 CBS miniseries Murder Ordained was filmed in Emporia.
1988Disaster
On March 6, 1988, an armed gunman walked into the Calvary Baptist Church during services and opened fire.
1997Disaster
Service to Emporia station was eliminated in 1997, two years before a fire destroyed the 1884-built station.
2003History
"Bud" Hopkins, and recognized in 2003 as the city's Large Employer of the Year, makes products for the automotive aftermarket.
2008Civil Rights
On January 25, 2008, Tyson unexpectedly announced the layoff of 1,500 workers (more than 60 percent) by March 25, 2008.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the 2010 census, there were 24,916 people, 9,812 households, and 5,571 families residing in the city.
2014Military
In 2014, local efforts were started to bring back the station.
2016History
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $43,481 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,474) and the median family income wa...
2018History
As of 2018, the future of revitalized service and a new station is still uncertain.
2020History
=== 2020 census ===
The 2020 United States census counted 24,139 people, 9,876 households, and 5,468 families in Emporia.
2024Economy
In December 2024, Tyson announced to the 809 remaining employees that the plant in Emporia would be permanently ceasing operations on February 14, 2025.