Located in Seward County (County Seat) south of Garden City along US Highway 54 near the Cimarron River and Meade State Park. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 17,486, an increase of 913 since 1990. Home to the Baker Arts Center, Coronado Museum and the Mid America Air Museum.
In 1885, Mr. Rogers, (The first settler in the area), had opened a general store and the government established an official Post Office there. On it's march west, the Rock Island railroad passed nearby which caused a boom of settlement which led to the town's status as County Seat.
Discovery of gas and oil followed but it was the railroad and 400 hardy residents that formed the core of the modern city.
Unique to Liberal is the "Wizard of Oz" Museum, complete with 5,000 Sq. Ft. of animated entertainment from the story. The "Oz Fest", a annual event held on the 2nd weekend of October is a popular attraction and usually includes some of the original "Munchkins" from the 1939 movie.