For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans.

In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1855, Butler County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Brainerd.

[4] It quickly grew, including some businesses and houses from nearby community of Plum Grove.

Heated opposition between Whitewater and Potwin occurred during the discussion for the location of the new high school.