Youth can receive a complete education without leaving Atchison, beginning with the elementary level at a public or parochial school and continuing all the way to a masters degree at Benedictine College . Several of the community's schools were established by the Benedictine Brothers and Sisters who have resided in Atchison since its earliest days. Since its early days as a major supplier to the West, Atchison has maintained a healthy climate for the growth of business and industry. Shoppers from throughout the region are drawn to Atchison by the variety, value and personal touch provided by its retail businesses. The historic downtown is centered around a beautifully-landscaped outdoor pedestrian mall that is the result of an urban renewal project initiated after a disastrous flood swept through the downtown in 1958.
Industry continues to grow and provide thousands of jobs for local residents.
Several companies have national and international connections and market products to all corners of the world. One industry that continues to grow in Atchison is tourism , as more and more travelers discover the city's charm and rich history. Tourists can visit five museums to learn about Amelia Earhart, railroading, the history of Atchison, art and the elegant splendor of the Victorian era. Visitors are captivated by the city's picturesque setting on the Missouri River, leisurely shopping experience, impressive Victorian homes and the interesting history of the Benedictines at St. Benedict's Abbey and Mount St. Scholastica. It's why so many people spend their entire lives here.