In 1880 the United Brethren conference established Gould College near Harlan to provide education for students in western Kansas. It was named for railroad mogul Jay Gould with the hope that he would be a benefactor for the new college. Gould's fortunes were never bestowed. Harlan Church, north of town on Commercial, is all that remains of the college. A plaque describing the college location is found on a rock monument just north of the church.