1541Culture
The Coronado Museum has items from the Native Americans that lived in the area, as well as items from Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's expedition to the area in 1541, and the his...
1872Architecture
Rogers built the first house in what would become Liberal in 1872.
1885Architecture
Reportedly, Liberal gained its name from the common response to his acts of kindness, "That's very liberal of you." In 1885 Rogers built a general store, and with it came an off...
1888Architecture
After the railroad was built close by, a plan for the town site was created in 1888.
1920Culture
Natural gas was discovered west of town, in what would become part of the massive Panhandle-Hugoton Gas Field, in 1920.
1951Economy
Oil was discovered southwest of town in 1951.
1955Architecture
The Book Front entrance was completed in April 1955 and designed by the building's architect George L.
1960History
Wheeler Williams, a sculptor from New York, signed an agreement in October 1960 to mold the "Pioneer Mother of Kansas." This six foot statue, sponsored by Mr.
1961History
Baty, was to be erected in Cooper Park on Memorial Day, May 30, 1961.
1963Architecture
In 1963 the largest helium plant in the world, National Helium, was opened.
1981History
The highest temperature recorded in Liberal was 114 °F (45.6 °C) on June 10, 1981; the coldest temperature recorded was −20 °F (−28.9 °C) on February 27, 1930.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the 2010 census, there were 20,525 people, 6,623 households, and 4,838 families residing in the city.
2012History
As of 2012, 70.2% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force.
2016History
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $48,434 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,385) and the median family income wa...
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
The 2020 United States census counted 19,825 people, 6,618 households, and 4,771 families in Liberal.
2024History
As of 2024, the population of the city was 18,743.