Why is Colby "The Oasis On The Plains"?

Colby has long been known as "The Oasis on the Plains." Merriam Webster’s Dictionary first defines an oasis as “something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast”.  Colby’s location, adjacent to Interstate 70 between Kansas City and Denver, has created growth in our lodging, hospitality and trucking support industries. Indeed, Colby businesses continue to provide both refuge and relief to weary travelers and truckers crossing this great country.

Why is Thomas County known as "An Oasis Of Opportunity"?

Webster further defines an oasis as “a fertile or green area in an arid region”. Originally the center of the “Great American Prairie” early homesteaders broke out the sod, planted wheat and established this area as the bread basket of the world. In the 1960’s, innovative farmers tapped the deep resources of the Ogallala Aquifer and further developed some of this wheat land into rich irrigated land growing corn soybeans and alfalfa.

These rich agricultural resources have created the opportunity to expand our economy thorough further development of beef cattle operations and the introduction of modern “mega dairy” operations to this area.