In the meantime, several other newspapers were established including the Larned Republican in 1876, which was published for about a year, the Pawnee County Herald, beginning in January, 1877, which lasted until November, 1878 when it was merged with the Larned Optic. In April, 1878, the Larned Press was merged into the Enterprise, with Henry Inman, one of the most best journalists of the state as its editor. By 1883, it had changed its name to the Chronoscope.

In the 1880s, Larned had several good hotels, four grain dealers, five dry-goods houses, four grocery stores, three druggists, two hardware stores, three jewelry establishments, two boot and shoe dealers, two blacksmiths, two wagon makers, two meat markets, two lumber dealers, three livery stables, two harness and saddle makers, six confectioners and bakers, two banks, two barbers, three coal dealers, five physicians, four attorneys, two tailors, two millinery establishments, and three real estate and insurance agents. Several larger enterprises also existed including the Larned Broom Factory and the Larned Pottery Company.

By the turn of the century, Larned, which boasted more than 1,300 residents had become a trading and shipping point for its area farms and ranches.  There are several blocks of substantial business houses, two  newspapers -- Chronoscope and the Tiller and Toiler (which still exists), 3 banks with a combined deposits amounting to over $850,000, a fine city hall, an opera house, a hospital, a city park, waterworks, electricity for lighting and power, a fire department,  all the leading church denominations, a creamery, 2 flour mills, a foundry, and several grain elevators. The next decade saw much growth for the city, as by 1910, its population had reached almost 3,000 people.

In 1914, the Larned State Hospital was established for the mentally ill in the western part of the state. In 1939, it took on additional responsibilities with the opening of State Security Hospital. Prior to 1960, the Hospital accommodated only adult patients, general psychiatric and forensic; but beginning in 1966, treatment programs were added for children, adolescents, the chemical dependent and security behavior males. Presently the Hospital operates three separate services including Youth, Adult, Security and Security Behavior Services on its  98 acre campus.

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Vintage Photographs of the Old West - From our personal Photo Print Shop, you can now order prints that provide dramatic glimpses into the rich heritage of the American West. From notorious outlaws, to Indian Chiefs, buffalo roaming the range, and pioneers on the trail, this varied collection grows daily.