Hunters have uncovered Paleo arrowheads, bones and tusks of the animals. Arrowheads of seven different prehistoric Indian cultures plus historic Indian arrowheads have been found in Lane County, Kansas. The first homesteader arrived in the county in 1878. Since few trees existed for lumber, the initial settlers dug holes in the side of a hill, blocking the front with a wall of cut sod, covering the top with poles holding a layer of prairie grass and dirt. Today the Sharp Brothers Seed Company is known as the world's largest native grass seed company.
Lane County has a long association with cattle.
During the 1880's the Western Cattle Trail from Texas continued through Dodge City to Ogallala, NE, passing through Lane County. With the introduction of irrigation in the latter 1940's and early 1950's, corn production has increased. Since the 1960's , oil activity has been important to the county.