[3] The party that chose the site of Holton started at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May 1856.

A train of six covered wagons, each drawn by two yoke of oxen, started the long trek to take Free State settlers to Kansas.

They followed the Jim Lane Road into Kansas approximately thirty miles.

They came to Elk Creek, 2+1⁄2 miles west of Holton, where they cut timbers to make a bridge, crossed it and made camp where Central School now stands.

A frame building served as the first courthouse on the east side of the square, near the middle of the block.

[6] In 1859, the abolitionist John Brown took a group of escaped slaves through Holton, leading to an incident known as the Battle of the Spurs.

[7] In 1859, Holton had seven dwellings, one store, a blacksmith shop and a steam saw mill.

[6] In 1879, the residents of Jackson County, Kansas decided to form a university in Holton.

The former site of the college later became the location of Holton High School.

[10] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[11] Holton is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The 2020 United States census counted 3,401 people, 1,410 households, and 784 families in Holton.

38.9% of households consisted of individuals and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.