city, seat (1872) of Reno county, south-central Kansas, U.S. Hutchinson lies on the Arkansas River. It was founded by C.C. Hutchinson, an Indian agent, in 1871 upon the arrival of the Santa Fe Railway. Salt beds discovered there in 1887 became the basis of a major industry. Hutchinson is also a principal hard-wheat market and is the centre of one of the Midwest's richest oil fields. The city's economy is based chiefly on these local resources. It is the site of the annual Kansas State Fair. Hutchinson also has a municipal zoo and is home to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. Hutchinson Community College was founded in 1928. Sand Hills State Park is located nearby. Inc. 1872. Pop. (1990) 39,308; (2000) 40,787.