Selden, Kansas came into being in 1888, just after the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad was built through the county. The location chosen was the R. J. McCroskie homestead, SW 9-6019.

Families and buildings were moved here from old Sheridan, Shibboleth and Jackson to be at the railroad. The town company platted a town which was named in honor of Selden G. Hopkins who, with I. B. Gray, I. N. Pence, M. F. Vandiver, Charles Chandler and Joe Jenkins made up the town company. Bonds of $12,000 were voted for a town site and on June 6, 1888, the McCroskie homestead was purchased for this purpose.