The county of Ashland contains the cities of Ashland, Englewood and Minneola. It was organized on May 5, 1885, by
 George Epperly; Daniel Burket; and John S. Myers. The county was named for Charles F. Clarke, a captain in the 6th
 Kansas Cavalry, was commissioned Adjutant-General on June 12, 1862. The original spelling of "Clarke" was changed by
 usage to the shorter version.

 Clark City, located one and a half miles from the present site of Ashland, had become a ghost town in 1884 because of the
 town company choosing the newer location. When Ashland was formed an offer was made to the people of Clark City by
 the town company founders, to move those to Ashland who wished to go. Many choose to be moved. When the Chicago,
 Rock Island and Pacific Railroad came through the county it offered to move the town of Appleton and offered those people
 lots at Minneola. Most of the town of Appleton and its residents were moved to the new location.