Early residents were able to settle in the area as a result of the 1862 Homestead Act which required a payment of only $50.00 to take up residence on 160 acres of land. From these early settlers, Delano developed as a separate city. Delano was named after Columbus Delano, Secretary of the Interior under President Ulysses S. Grant.

Figure 2. Early Delano Birds-eye view of early Wichita and Delano. Delano was well-known for its saloons and "bawdy houses."Courtesy of Wichita Public Library.

In 1872, the Delano area experienced noticeable growth associated with farmers bringing in wheat by wagon, cattle being driven across Lawrence family land and the opening of a new toll bridge at Douglas. In 1871, Jennison and Walker’s Hotel and Saloon were opened. Red Beard and Rowdy Joe established themselves on the west bank in 1872, and new businesses developed along what was to become Douglas. For a brief period, Delano had a post office, but it was closed when Delano became annexed into Wichita in the late 1870’s.

By 1885, new settlers began buying lots for homes and much of the land in Delano became desirable for residential uses. Within Delano, the earliest settlers were the brothers Enoch, Frank and Almon Dodge; Robert Lawrence; John McCormick; Otto Martinson and Judge Baldwin. The new Franklin School was completed in 1886. The Dodge family home was built in 1887 as were the Martinson and Lawrence homes. The Garfield University was built in 1887 (later renamed Friends University - est.1898, after a brief period of vacancy). The construction of the watch factory at St. Clair and Douglas was completed. Schuyler Crawford grocery store opened at Maple and Seneca. Many of Delano’s streets were named after early settlers and their children. Exposition was named after the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago.

While the boom of 1884 was an exciting time for the west Wichita area of Delano, the City soon experienced economic recession. Many of the original settlers and early businesses went bankrupt. By 1889, the city had lost nearly half of its population. By the beginning of the 20th Century, oil and manufacturing development in the Wichita area generated another building boom which lasted until the Depression years. Shortly thereafter, Wichita would become know as the Air Capital of America because of its airplane manufacturing industry, with a portion of the industry based in Delano. World War II brought renewed prosperity to Wichita. The aviation industry soon became the dominant industry in the city during the war.

Certainly, the colorful and rich history of Delano provides an essential element for the future of the neighborhood - a rich history and cultural heritage to be drawn upon, preserved, and promoted.