Riverton, Kansas

Riverton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 771. It is located at the junction of K-66 (former U.S. Route 66) and U.S. Route 69 Alternate and U.S. Route 400, near the Spring River. It is one of only three communities in Kansas along former U.S. Route 66.

History
The first post office in Riverton was established in 1919.

Geography
Riverton is located in southeastern Cherokee County near the southeastern corner of Kansas. Along K-66, Galena, Kansas, is 3.5 mi to the east, and Joplin, Missouri, is 10 mi to the east. Pittsburg, Kansas, is 23 mi to the north via US 400 and US 69. Baxter Springs, Kansas, is 4.5 mi to the southwest, and Miami, Oklahoma, is 20 mi to the southwest by US 69A.

The eastern and southern edges of the CDP ars formed by the Spring River, which flows south to the Neosho River in Oklahoma. The CDP of Lowell is to the south across the Spring River.

Area attractions
The famous Rainbow Bridge, about 2 mi west of town, was the site where in the year 2000, musician Brad Paisley performed the song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" for the TLC special "Route 66: Main Street America".

The Eisler Brothers Country Store in Riverton was one of the stops on Pixar's US 66 research trips for the 2006 film Cars. The filmmakers met with Dean Walker, then president of the Kansas Route 66 Association, who is known to twist his feet backwards 180° and walk in reverse. He became one of many inspirations for the Mater character, a rusty old tow truck who teaches NASCAR rookie Lightning McQueen to drive in reverse.

The original boom truck is currently based at a restored Kan-O-Tex Service Station in nearby Galena.

Education
The community is served by Riverton USD 404 public school district.