Castle Rock (Kansas)

For the "Castle Rock" in Kansas City, Kansas, see A. Porter Davis Residence.

Castle Rock is a large limestone pillar in Gove County, Kansas reaching nearly 70 feet tall, within the Smoky Hills region.

Description

Castle Rock was a landmark on the Butterfield Overland Despatch route (Overland Trail). The chalk was deposited in the area by an ancient inland sea. The formation was formed by the weathering of the chalk by wind and water. It received its name because it is said to look like a castle rising above the prairie. The formation and the nearby badlands are located about 11 miles south of I-70 near Quinter, Kansas.

The formation may not last much longer. Weathering of the rock formation is increasing due to visitors climbing on the rocks. In 2001, following a thunderstorm, the tallest spire fell.

On January 29, 2008, Castle Rock and Monument Rocks 31 miles to the west were jointly named as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.