Marion County, Kansas
Encyclopedia
Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Kansas
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 12,660. The county seat
is Marion
. The county was named in honor of Francis Marion
, a Brigadier General
of the American Revolutionary War
, known as the "Swamp Fox".
. In 1803, most of modern Kansas
was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase
.
In 1806, Zebulon Pike
led the Pike expedition
westward from St Louis, Missouri, of which part of their journey followed the Cottonwood River through Marion County near the current towns of Florence
, Marion
, Durham
.
In 1855, Marion County was founded. The city of Marion Centre was founded in 1860, became the county seat
, and later the city name was shortened to Marion
.
The first settlers in Marion County located on Doyle Creek, near the present site of Florence
. They were Moses Shane, who came in 1858, and whose death the next year was the first in the county; Patrick Doyle, in 1859, for whom Doyle Creek and Township were named, and a family by the name of Welsh, in which occurred the first birth
in the county in August 1859.
In the spring of 1859, a trading post was established at the "Lost Spring" on the Santa Fe Trail
, and in the autumn of the same year, the Moore brothers established a ranch near the present site of Durham
, and the first post office was established at this place. Later in the same year, a post office was established at "Lost Spring" near the current city of Lost Springs
. Previous to this the nearest post office was Emporia
. The next year Billings, Griffith, Shreve located where the city of Marion
now stands. The population of the county in that year was 74.
Originally, Marion County covered more than a third of the area of Kansas, including all the territory in the state south and west of the present northern and eastern lines of the county. The original location of the county was fixed by legislative act in 1860. It comprised less than the present area. The original boundaries were altered by an increase of territory on the west and a decrease on the south. In 1863, the legislature by special act fixed the boundaries to include all of southwestern Kansas. In June of that year, on petition of the citizens of the county, the governor restored the previous boundaries and ordered a separate organization of the county. The south-eastern border one mile "notch" with Chase County was established under unusual circumstances. A murder had occurred and Marion County didn't want to have the trial, so a section one mile wide and eighteen miles long was ceded to Chase County
to ensure the murder had occurred there. The one mile strip of land remains in Chase County
to this day.
three million acres (12,000 km²) of land if it would build a continuous line to the western border of the state within ten years (March 1, 1873). In 1871, the railroad pushed westward from Emporia through Florence
, Horners, and Peabody
towards Newton, and got title to the land in 1873. According to the original land grant, the railroad was to receive every odd numbered section for ten miles (16 km) on each side of its track, but in eastern Kansas which was pretty well settled, much of this land wasn't available. The law therefore gave the railroad what was called "in lieu" lands further west. Eventually this worked out to be half the land on a strip twenty miles (32 km) on each side of its track from Emporia
nearly out to Kinsley
, which meant that most of Marion County fell in this strip.
In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence
to El Dorado
, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass
, and later to Arkansas City
. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
. The line from Florence
to El Dorado
was abandoned in 1942. The original branch line connected Florence
, Burns
, De Graff, El Dorado
, Augusta
, Douglass
, Rock
, Akron, Winfield
, Arkansas City
.
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
) to Superior, Nebraska
. This branch line connected Strong City
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
, Lost Springs
, Jacobs, Hope
, Navarre
, Enterprise
, Abilene
, Talmage
, Manchester
, Longford
, Oak Hill
, Miltonvale
, Aurora
, Huscher
, Concordia
, Kackley
, Courtland
, Webber
, Superior
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". The railway is connected via a switch to allow north-bound "Rock Island" traffic to connect onto the north-west-bound "Santa Fe" tracks. This is the only way for the Santa Fe traffic to travel north-west after removing the tracks to Neva.
As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion
held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence
. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
and parties from Marion County and McPherson County
chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company. In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence
to McPherson
, in 1880 it was extended to Lyons
, in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood
. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
. The line from Florence
to Marion
, was abandoned in 1968. In 1992, the line from Marion
to McPherson
was sold to Central Kansas Railway
. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence
, Oursler, Marion, Canada
, Hillsboro
, Lehigh
, Canton
, Galva
, McPherson
, Conway
, Windom
, Little River
, Mitchell
, Lyons
, Chase
, Ellinwood
.
In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
to Pratt
. This main line connected Herington
, Ramona
, Tampa
, Durham
, Waldeck, Canton
, Galva
, McPherson
, Groveland, Inman
, Medora, Hutchinson
, Whiteside, Partridge
, Arlington
, Langdon
, Turon
, Preston
, Natrona, Pratt
. In 1888, this main line was extended to Liberal
. Later, this line was extended to Tucumcari, New Mexico
and El Paso, Texas
. This line is called the "Golden State Limited".
In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington
to Caldwell
. This branch line connected Herington
, Lost Springs
, Lincolnville
, Antelope
, Marion
, Aulne
, Peabody
, Elbing
, Whitewater
, Furley
, Kechi
, Wichita
, Peck
, Corbin
, Wellington
, Caldwell
. By 1893, this branch line was incrementally built to Fort Worth, Texas
. This line is called the "OKT".
The "Rock Island" has switches in Peabody and Lost Springs to allow connections to the crossing "Santa Fe" railroad in each city.
The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was foreclosed in 1891 and was taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad
, and finally merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".
, Hillsboro
, Marion
, Lost Springs
.
From 1935 to 1937, the Marion County Park and Lake
was constructed southeast of Marion
. From 1964 to 1968, the Marion Reservoir
was constructed northwest of Marion
.
(Phase II) was constructed north to south through Marion County with much controversy over road damage, tax exemption, and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs).
, county until 2004, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.
Marion County is located in the Great Plains
, and the eastern part of the county is part of the Flint Hills
.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 13,361 people, 5,114 households, and 3,687 families residing in the county. The population density
was 14 people per square mile (5/km²). There were 5,882 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.06% White
, 0.47% Black
or African American
, 0.59% Native American
, 0.19% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.55% from other races
, and 1.14% from two or more races. 1.92% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 5,114 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.80% were married couples
living together, 5.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 23.50% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 21.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,500, and the median income for a family was $41,386. Males had a median income of $30,236 versus $21,119 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,100. About 4.80% of families and 8.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 9.70% of those age 65 or over.
. The cities of Florence
, Hillsboro
, and Marion
are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.
Kansas
USA
News
Historical
Maps
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 12,660. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
. The county was named in honor of Francis Marion
Francis Marion
Francis Marion was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Acting with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, he was a persistent adversary of the British in their occupation of South Carolina in 1780 and 1781, even after the Continental Army was driven...
, a Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
of the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, known as the "Swamp Fox".
19th century
For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
. In 1803, most of modern Kansas
History of Kansas
The history of Kansas, argued historian Carl L. Becker a century ago, reflects American ideals. He wrote: "The Kansas spirit is the American spirit double distilled. It is a new grafted product of American individualism, American idealism, American intolerance. Kansas is America in...
was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition by the United States of America of of France's claim to the territory of Louisiana in 1803. The U.S...
.
In 1806, Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Pike
Zebulon Montgomery Pike Jr. was an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named. As a United States Army captain in 1806-1807, he led the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River,...
led the Pike expedition
Pike expedition
The Pike Expedition was a military effort authorized by the United States government to explore the south and west of the recent Louisiana Purchase. Roughly contemporaneous with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, it was led by United States Army Captain Zebulon Pike, Jr...
westward from St Louis, Missouri, of which part of their journey followed the Cottonwood River through Marion County near the current towns of Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, Durham
Durham, Kansas
Durham is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112. Home of Donahue Corporation.-19th century:...
.
In 1855, Marion County was founded. The city of Marion Centre was founded in 1860, became the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
, and later the city name was shortened to Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
.
The first settlers in Marion County located on Doyle Creek, near the present site of Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
. They were Moses Shane, who came in 1858, and whose death the next year was the first in the county; Patrick Doyle, in 1859, for whom Doyle Creek and Township were named, and a family by the name of Welsh, in which occurred the first birth
First white child
The birth of the first white child was a celebrated occasion across many parts of the New World. Such births are a matter of pride for many townships, and they are commemorated with plaques and monuments at the location of the event. The birth was seen as such an honor that it was at times...
in the county in August 1859.
In the spring of 1859, a trading post was established at the "Lost Spring" on the Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1822 by William Becknell, it served as a vital commercial and military highway until the introduction of the railroad to Santa Fe in 1880...
, and in the autumn of the same year, the Moore brothers established a ranch near the present site of Durham
Durham, Kansas
Durham is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112. Home of Donahue Corporation.-19th century:...
, and the first post office was established at this place. Later in the same year, a post office was established at "Lost Spring" near the current city of Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
. Previous to this the nearest post office was Emporia
Emporia, Kansas
Emporia is a city in and the county seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24,916. Emporia lies between Topeka and Wichita at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 with Interstates 335 and 35 on the Kansas Turnpike...
. The next year Billings, Griffith, Shreve located where the city of Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
now stands. The population of the county in that year was 74.
Originally, Marion County covered more than a third of the area of Kansas, including all the territory in the state south and west of the present northern and eastern lines of the county. The original location of the county was fixed by legislative act in 1860. It comprised less than the present area. The original boundaries were altered by an increase of territory on the west and a decrease on the south. In 1863, the legislature by special act fixed the boundaries to include all of southwestern Kansas. In June of that year, on petition of the citizens of the county, the governor restored the previous boundaries and ordered a separate organization of the county. The south-eastern border one mile "notch" with Chase County was established under unusual circumstances. A murder had occurred and Marion County didn't want to have the trial, so a section one mile wide and eighteen miles long was ceded to Chase County
Chase County, Kansas
Chase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject...
to ensure the murder had occurred there. The one mile strip of land remains in Chase County
Chase County, Kansas
Chase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject...
to this day.
Santa Fe Railroad
The state of Kansas granted the Atchison and Topeka RailroadAtchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
three million acres (12,000 km²) of land if it would build a continuous line to the western border of the state within ten years (March 1, 1873). In 1871, the railroad pushed westward from Emporia through Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Horners, and Peabody
Peabody, Kansas
Peabody is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after F.H. Peabody, of Boston, former vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Peabody is well known in the region for its Independence Day Celebration on July 4, and its historic 1880's downtown main street...
towards Newton, and got title to the land in 1873. According to the original land grant, the railroad was to receive every odd numbered section for ten miles (16 km) on each side of its track, but in eastern Kansas which was pretty well settled, much of this land wasn't available. The law therefore gave the railroad what was called "in lieu" lands further west. Eventually this worked out to be half the land on a strip twenty miles (32 km) on each side of its track from Emporia
Emporia, Kansas
Emporia is a city in and the county seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24,916. Emporia lies between Topeka and Wichita at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 with Interstates 335 and 35 on the Kansas Turnpike...
nearly out to Kinsley
Kinsley, Kansas
Kinsley is a city in and the county seat of Edwards County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,457.-Geography:...
, which meant that most of Marion County fell in this strip.
In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass
Douglass, Kansas
Douglass is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,700.-19th century:In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to...
, and later to Arkansas City
Arkansas City, Kansas
Arkansas City is a city situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers in the southwestern part of Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,415....
. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
. The line from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
was abandoned in 1942. The original branch line connected Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Burns
Burns, Kansas
Burns is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city name came from a nearby train station, which was named prior to the city being incorporated. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 228.-History:-19th century:...
, De Graff, El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
, Augusta
Augusta, Kansas
Augusta is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,274.-19th century:The confluence of the Whitewater River and the Walnut River was originally inhabited by Native Americans , who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing. In 1868 C. N...
, Douglass
Douglass, Kansas
Douglass is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,700.-19th century:In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to...
, Rock
Rock, Kansas
Rock is an unincorporated community in Cowley County, Kansas, United States.-19th century:The post office was established August 12, 1870. The nearby Bucher Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places....
, Akron, Winfield
Winfield, Kansas
Winfield is a city situated along the Walnut River in the west-central part of Cowley County, located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,301...
, Arkansas City
Arkansas City, Kansas
Arkansas City is a city situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers in the southwestern part of Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,415....
.
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
) to Superior, Nebraska
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. This branch line connected Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
Burdick, Kansas
Burdick is an unincorporated community in southwestern Morris County, Kansas, United States. It lies along local roads south-southwest of the city of Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County. Its elevation is 1,453 feet , and it is located at...
, Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, Jacobs, Hope
Hope, Kansas
Hope is a city in southern Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 368. The motto of Hope is "There Will Always Be Hope In Kansas", which is also the name of a song.-History:...
, Navarre
Navarre, Kansas
Navarre is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established February 7, 1884, and discontinued September 3, 1971.-History:...
, Enterprise
Enterprise, Kansas
Enterprise is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 855.-History:On January 10, 1883, the Enterprise Town Company, capital $50,000, was organized. The following officers were elected: V. P. Wilson, president; John Johntz, vice-president;...
, Abilene
Abilene, Kansas
Abilene is a city in and the county seat of Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844.-History:...
, Talmage
Talmage, Kansas
Talmage is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established December 22, 1887.-History:...
, Manchester
Manchester, Kansas
Manchester is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 95.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Manchester to Superior, Nebraska...
, Longford
Longford, Kansas
Longford is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 79.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Longford to Superior, Nebraska...
, Oak Hill
Oak Hill, Kansas
Oak Hill is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Oak Hill to Superior, Nebraska...
, Miltonvale
Miltonvale, Kansas
Miltonvale is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 539.-History:Miltonvale was founded on December 1, 1881.From 1909 to 1972, it was the home of Miltonvale Wesleyan College....
, Aurora
Aurora, Kansas
Aurora is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 60.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Aurora to Superior, Nebraska...
, Huscher
Huscher, Kansas
Huscher is an unincorporated rural area in Cloud County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Huscher to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad...
, Concordia
Concordia, Kansas
Concordia is a city in and the county seat of Cloud County, Kansas, United States. Located on the Republican River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Concordia was founded in 1871 and is an economic and cultural center in north-central Kansas...
, Kackley
Kackley, Kansas
Kackley is an unincorporated rural area in Republic County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Kackley to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern...
, Courtland
Courtland, Kansas
Courtland is a city in Republic County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 285.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Courtland to Superior, Nebraska...
, Webber
Webber, Kansas
Webber is a city in Jewell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Webber to Superior, Nebraska...
, Superior
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". The railway is connected via a switch to allow north-bound "Rock Island" traffic to connect onto the north-west-bound "Santa Fe" tracks. This is the only way for the Santa Fe traffic to travel north-west after removing the tracks to Neva.
As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
and parties from Marion County and McPherson County
McPherson County, Kansas
McPherson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 29,180. The largest city and county seat is McPherson. The county is named for Civil War General James B. McPherson...
chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company. In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to McPherson
McPherson, Kansas
McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States, in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,155. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general...
, in 1880 it was extended to Lyons
Lyons, Kansas
Lyons is a city in and the county seat of Rice County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,739.-History:Although Coronado's exact route across the plains is uncertain and has been widely disputed, he and his men are thought to have camped near the present...
, in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood
Ellinwood, Kansas
Ellinwood is a city in the southeast corner of Barton County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,131.-History:...
. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
. The line from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, was abandoned in 1968. In 1992, the line from Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
to McPherson
McPherson, Kansas
McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States, in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,155. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general...
was sold to Central Kansas Railway
Central Kansas Railway
The Central Kansas Railway was a short-line railroad operating of trackage in the U.S. state of Kansas and west to Towner, Colorado, most all of which were former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway lines...
. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Oursler, Marion, Canada
Canada, Kansas
Canada is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named for many Canadian immigrants coming to the area.-19th century:...
, Hillsboro
Hillsboro, Kansas
Hillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
, Lehigh
Lehigh, Kansas
Lehigh is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 175.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, Canton
Canton, Kansas
Canton is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 748.-19th century:As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion...
, Galva
Galva, Kansas
Galva is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 870.-19th century:As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from...
, McPherson
McPherson, Kansas
McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States, in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,155. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general...
, Conway
Conway, Kansas
Conway is an unincorporated community in southwestern Jackson Township, McPherson County, Kansas, United States. It lies along U.S. Route 56 and a Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad line, west of the city of McPherson, the county seat of McPherson County...
, Windom
Windom, Kansas
Windom is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 130.-19th century:In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company...
, Little River
Little River, Kansas
Little River is a city in Rice County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 557.-History:In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company...
, Mitchell
Mitchell, Kansas
Mitchell is an unincorporated community in Mitchell Township, Rice County, Kansas, United States. Located about east-northeast of the city of Lyons, the county seat, it lies along local roads a fraction of a mile north of U.S...
, Lyons
Lyons, Kansas
Lyons is a city in and the county seat of Rice County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,739.-History:Although Coronado's exact route across the plains is uncertain and has been widely disputed, he and his men are thought to have camped near the present...
, Chase
Chase, Kansas
Chase is a city in Rice County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 477.The city should not be confused with Chase County.-History:...
, Ellinwood
Ellinwood, Kansas
Ellinwood is a city in the southeast corner of Barton County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,131.-History:...
.
In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
Rock Island Railroad
In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway extended its main line from HeringtonHerington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
to Pratt
Pratt, Kansas
Pratt is a city in and the county seat of Pratt County in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,835. Pratt is home to Pratt Community College.-19th century:Pratt was founded in 1884 and named after Caleb S...
. This main line connected Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
, Ramona
Ramona, Kansas
Ramona is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 187.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. The city name is a spanish name. Land ownership of the Ramona area dates back when the...
, Tampa
Tampa, Kansas
Tampa is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, Durham
Durham, Kansas
Durham is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112. Home of Donahue Corporation.-19th century:...
, Waldeck, Canton
Canton, Kansas
Canton is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 748.-19th century:As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion...
, Galva
Galva, Kansas
Galva is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 870.-19th century:As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from...
, McPherson
McPherson, Kansas
McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States, in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,155. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general...
, Groveland, Inman
Inman, Kansas
Inman is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,377.- History :It was founded in 1887 as Aiken. It was renamed Inman, in 1889, after Inman Lake which is located approximately east of the town...
, Medora, Hutchinson
Hutchinson, Kansas
Hutchinson is the largest city in and the county seat of Reno County, Kansas, United States, northwest of Wichita, on the Arkansas River. It has been home to salt mines since 1887, thus its nickname of "Salt City", but locals call it "Hutch"...
, Whiteside, Partridge
Partridge, Kansas
Partridge is a city in Reno County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 248.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington through Partridge to Pratt. In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was extended...
, Arlington
Arlington, Kansas
Arlington is a city in Reno County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 473.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington through Arlington to Pratt. In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was extended...
, Langdon
Langdon, Kansas
Langdon is a city in Reno County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 42.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington through Langdon to Pratt. In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was extended to...
, Turon
Turon, Kansas
Turon is a city in Reno County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 387.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington through Turon to Pratt. In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was extended to...
, Preston
Preston, Kansas
Preston is a city in Pratt County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 158.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington through Preston to Pratt. In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was...
, Natrona, Pratt
Pratt, Kansas
Pratt is a city in and the county seat of Pratt County in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,835. Pratt is home to Pratt Community College.-19th century:Pratt was founded in 1884 and named after Caleb S...
. In 1888, this main line was extended to Liberal
Liberal, Kansas
Liberal is the county seat of Seward County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20,525.- History :S.S. Rogers built the first house in what would become Liberal in 1872. Rogers became famous in the region for giving water to weary travelers...
. Later, this line was extended to Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari is a city in and the county seat of Quay County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 5,989 at the 2000 census. Tucumcari was founded in 1901, two years before Quay County was founded.-History:...
and El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
. This line is called the "Golden State Limited".
In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
to Caldwell
Caldwell, Kansas
Caldwell is a city in Sumner County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,068.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington to Caldwell...
. This branch line connected Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
, Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, Lincolnville
Lincolnville, Kansas
Lincolnville is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 203.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the...
, Antelope
Antelope, Kansas
Antelope is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Antelope got its name from Antelope grazing near where the first school was being built.-19th century:...
, Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, Aulne
Aulne, Kansas
Aulne is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The Aulne name was suggested by officials of the railroad when it was built through Aulne.-19th century:...
, Peabody
Peabody, Kansas
Peabody is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after F.H. Peabody, of Boston, former vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Peabody is well known in the region for its Independence Day Celebration on July 4, and its historic 1880's downtown main street...
, Elbing
Elbing, Kansas
Elbing is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. It is named after the city Elbląg in northern Poland, formerly Prussia. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 229.-History:...
, Whitewater
Whitewater, Kansas
Whitewater is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 718.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington through Whitewater to Caldwell...
, Furley
Furley, Kansas
Furley is an unincorporated community in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington through Furley to Caldwell. By 1893, this branch line was incrementally built to Fort Worth, Texas...
, Kechi
Kechi, Kansas
Kechi is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,909.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington through Kechi to Caldwell...
, Wichita
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
, Peck
Peck, Kansas
Peck is an unincorporated community on the Sedgwick County and Sumner County border in Kansas, United States.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington through Peck to Caldwell...
, Corbin
Corbin, Kansas
Corbin is a community in Sumner County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established February 6, 1884, and discontinued February 16, 1975. The nearby Spring Creek School is on the National Register of Historic Places.-19th century:...
, Wellington
Wellington, Kansas
Wellington is a city in and the county seat of Sumner County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 8,172.-19th century:...
, Caldwell
Caldwell, Kansas
Caldwell is a city in Sumner County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,068.-19th century:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington to Caldwell...
. By 1893, this branch line was incrementally built to Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
. This line is called the "OKT".
The "Rock Island" has switches in Peabody and Lost Springs to allow connections to the crossing "Santa Fe" railroad in each city.
The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was foreclosed in 1891 and was taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
-OKT I:The Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad , was originally created on May 29, 1980 after the demise of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad on March 31, 1980...
, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad
Missouri Pacific Railroad
The Missouri Pacific Railroad , also known as the MoPac, was one of the first railroads in the United States west of the Mississippi River. MoPac was a Class I railroad growing from dozens of predecessors and mergers, including the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway , Texas and Pacific...
, and finally merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".
Marion Belt and Chingawasa Springs Railroad
In 1889, the Marion Belt and Chingawasa Springs Railroad built a 4.5 mile railroad from Marion north-east to Chingawasa Springs. A hotel was built near the site of the spa at Chingawasa Springs, and a depot and eatery as well. Both Santa Fe and Rock Island offered round trip fares from Chicago and western cities to Chingawasa Springs. An economic panic in 1893 closed down the health spa and hotel, and quarry business along the tracks never developed sufficiently. In 1893, the railroad ceased operations, and tracks were removed in 1910.20th century
The National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and was routed through LehighLehigh, Kansas
Lehigh is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 175.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, Hillsboro
Hillsboro, Kansas
Hillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
, Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
.
From 1935 to 1937, the Marion County Park and Lake
Marion County Park and Lake
Marion County Park and Lake is a lake south-east of Marion, on the western edge of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. This smaller lake is often confused with the similar named yet larger Marion Reservoir...
was constructed southeast of Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
. From 1964 to 1968, the Marion Reservoir
Marion Reservoir
Marion Reservoir is a reservoir on the Cottonwood River and north-west of Marion, on the western edge of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. It was completed in 1968 and is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of flood control...
was constructed northwest of Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
.
21st century
In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing PipelineKeystone Pipeline
The Keystone Pipeline System is a pipeline system to transport synthetic crude oil and diluted bitumen from the Athabasca Oil Sands in northeastern Alberta, Canada to multiple destinations in the United States, which include refineries in Illinois, Cushing oil distribution hub in Oklahoma, and...
(Phase II) was constructed north to south through Marion County with much controversy over road damage, tax exemption, and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs).
Law and government
Following amendment to the Kansas Constitution in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or "dry"Dry county
A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South...
, county until 2004, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 953.54 square miles (2,469.7 km²), of which 943.11 square miles (2,442.6 km²) (or 98.91%) is land and 10.43 square miles (27 km²) (or 1.09%) is water.Marion County is located in the Great Plains
Great Plains
The Great Plains are a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe and grassland, which lies west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. This area covers parts of the U.S...
, and the eastern part of the county is part of the Flint Hills
Flint Hills
The Flint Hills, historically known as Bluestem Pastures or Blue Stem Hills, are a band of hills in eastern Kansas stretching into north-central Oklahoma, extending from Marshall County, Kansas and Washington County, Kansas in the north to Cowley County, Kansas and Osage County, Oklahoma in the south...
.
Adjacent counties
- Dickinson CountyDickinson County, KansasDickinson County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,754. Its county seat and most populous city is Abilene. It was named in honor of Daniel S. Dickinson.-19th century:In 1887, Mr. Herington successfully got...
(north) - Morris CountyMorris County, KansasMorris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,923. The largest city and county seat is Council Grove.-19th century:...
(northeast) - Chase CountyChase County, KansasChase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject...
(east) - Butler CountyButler County, KansasButler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in...
(southeast) - Harvey CountyHarvey County, KansasHarvey County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 34,684. Its county seat and most populous city is Newton. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area which also includes Butler,...
(southwest) - McPherson CountyMcPherson County, KansasMcPherson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 29,180. The largest city and county seat is McPherson. The county is named for Civil War General James B. McPherson...
(west) - Saline CountySaline County, KansasSaline County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 55,606...
(northwest)
Demographics
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 13,361 people, 5,114 households, and 3,687 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 14 people per square mile (5/km²). There were 5,882 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.06% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.59% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.19% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.55% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.14% from two or more races. 1.92% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 5,114 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 5.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 23.50% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 21.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,500, and the median income for a family was $41,386. Males had a median income of $30,236 versus $21,119 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,100. About 4.80% of families and 8.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 9.70% of those age 65 or over.
Incorporated cities
Name and population (2010):- HillsboroHillsboro, KansasHillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
, 2993 - MarionMarion, KansasMarion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, 1927 - PeabodyPeabody, KansasPeabody is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after F.H. Peabody, of Boston, former vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Peabody is well known in the region for its Independence Day Celebration on July 4, and its historic 1880's downtown main street...
, 1210 - GoesselGoessel, KansasGoessel is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named after Captain Kurt von Goessel who went down with his ship, the Elbe, in the English Channel after it was rammed. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 539....
, 539 - FlorenceFlorence, KansasFlorence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, 465 - BurnsBurns, KansasBurns is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city name came from a nearby train station, which was named prior to the city being incorporated. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 228.-History:-19th century:...
, 228 - LincolnvilleLincolnville, KansasLincolnville is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 203.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the...
, 203 - LehighLehigh, KansasLehigh is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 175.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, 175 - DurhamDurham, KansasDurham is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112. Home of Donahue Corporation.-19th century:...
, 112 - TampaTampa, KansasTampa is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, 112 - RamonaRamona, KansasRamona is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 187.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. The city name is a spanish name. Land ownership of the Ramona area dates back when the...
, 87 - Lost SpringsLost Springs, KansasLost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, 70
Unincorporated communities
- AntelopeAntelope, KansasAntelope is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Antelope got its name from Antelope grazing near where the first school was being built.-19th century:...
- AulneAulne, KansasAulne is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The Aulne name was suggested by officials of the railroad when it was built through Aulne.-19th century:...
- CanadaCanada, KansasCanada is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named for many Canadian immigrants coming to the area.-19th century:...
- EastshoreEastshore, KansasEastshore is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The community name comes from it being near the east shore of the Marion Reservoir.-History:From 1964 to 1968, the Marion Reservoir was constructed...
- PilsenPilsen, KansasPilsen is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after the city Plzeň in Czech Republic, formerly Bohemia.-19th century:...
Ghost towns and defunct settlements
Marion County contained some oil boom towns and cattle loading pens at railroads that have since been abandoned.- Creswell
- Fred
- Gnadenau
- Hampson
- Horners
- Jacobs
- Oursler
- Waldeck
- Watchorn, oil town, 5 miles east of Peabody.
- Youngtown
Townships
Marion County is divided into twenty-four townshipsCivil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
. The cities of Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Hillsboro
Hillsboro, Kansas
Hillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
, and Marion
Marion, Kansas
Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.
| Township | FIPS | Population center |
Population | Population density /km² (/sq mi) |
Land area km² (sq mi) | Water area km² (sq mi) | Water % | Geographic coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blaine | 07125 | 212 | 2 (6) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.33% | 38°33′30"N 97°10′46"W | |
| Catlin | 11075 | 180 | 2 (5) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.05% | 38°12′56"N 97°5′14"W | |
| Centre | 11825 | 535 | 4 (11) | 128 (49) | 0 (0) | 0.26% | 38°20′36"N 96°59′39"W | |
| Clark | 13500 | 149 | 2 (4) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.42% | 38°28′17"N 97°6′4"W | |
| Clear Creek | 13750 | 592 | 3 (8) | 196 (76) | 0 (0) | 0.06% | 38°28′1"N 96°57′35"W | |
| Colfax | 14800 | 218 | 2 (6) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.01% | 38°34′42"N 97°5′28"W | |
| Doyle | 18550 | 75 | 1 (2) | 98 (38) | 0 (0) | 0.08% | 38°14′3"N 96°53′17"W | |
| Durham Park | 19100 | 230 | 3 (7) | 90 (35) | 3 (1) | 2.70% | 38°29′9"N 97°12′46"W | |
| East Branch | 19325 | 188 | 2 (5) | 92 (35) | 0 (0) | 0 % | 38°13′33"N 97°11′53"W | |
| Fairplay | 22350 | 121 | 1 (3) | 116 (45) | 0 (0) | 0.04% | 38°13′44"N 96°59′23"W | |
| Gale | 25075 | 220 | 3 (8) | 67 (26) | 21 (8) | 23.70% | 38°23′15"N 97°5′21"W | |
| Grant | 27775 | 128 | 1 (2) | 174 (67) | 0 (0) | 0.08% | 38°22′13"N 96°53′3"W | |
| Lehigh | 39250 | 370 | 4 (10) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0 % | 38°23′3"N 97°18′27"W | |
| Liberty | 40225 | 327 | 4 (9) | 92 (35) | 0 (0) | 0 % | 38°18′13"N 97°12′37"W | |
| Logan | 41950 | 127 | 1 (4) | 94 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.07% | 38°32′38"N 97°19′34"W | |
| Lost Springs | 42850 | 201 | 2 (6) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.01% | 38°34′14"N 96°58′23"W | |
| Menno | 45800 | 317 | 3 (9) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.12% | 38°18′50"N 97°18′34"W | |
| Milton | 46900 | 348 | 4 (12) | 78 (30) | 0 (0) | 0.03% | 38°6′6"N 96°53′4"W | |
| Moore | 48100 | 65 | 1 (2) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.03% | 38°29′27"N 97°19′39"W | |
| Peabody | 55125 | 1,544 | 16 (42) | 95 (37) | 0 (0) | 0.23% | 38°9′40"N 97°6′22"W | |
| Risley | 60000 | 241 | 3 (7) | 89 (34) | 1 (0) | 1.36% | 38°23′56"N 97°11′48"W | |
| Summit | 69100 | 82 | 1 (2) | 92 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.51% | 38°7′21"N 96°58′54"W | |
| West Branch | 76775 | 1,024 | 11 (29) | 92 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.01% | 38°13′30"N 97°19′35"W | |
| Wilson | 79750 | 232 | 2 (6) | 94 (36) | 0 (0) | 0 % | 38°18′17"N 97°5′19"W |
Unified school districts
- USD 397, Centre
- LincolnvilleLincolnville, KansasLincolnville is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 203.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the...
, Lost SpringsLost Springs, KansasLost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, PilsenPilsen, KansasPilsen is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after the city Plzeň in Czech Republic, formerly Bohemia.-19th century:...
, TampaTampa, KansasTampa is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, RamonaRamona, KansasRamona is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 187.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. The city name is a spanish name. Land ownership of the Ramona area dates back when the...
, AntelopeAntelope, KansasAntelope is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Antelope got its name from Antelope grazing near where the first school was being built.-19th century:...
, Rural Areas - Centre High SchoolCentre High SchoolCentre High School is located 5 miles south of Lost Springs and 2 miles north of Lincolnville along U.S. Highway 77 in Kansas. It is the only high school in the School District.-History:...
- Lincolnville
- USD 398, Peabody-Burns
- PeabodyPeabody, KansasPeabody is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named after F.H. Peabody, of Boston, former vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Peabody is well known in the region for its Independence Day Celebration on July 4, and its historic 1880's downtown main street...
, BurnsBurns, KansasBurns is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city name came from a nearby train station, which was named prior to the city being incorporated. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 228.-History:-19th century:...
, Rural Areas - Peabody-Burns Junior/Senior High SchoolPeabody-Burns Junior/Senior High SchoolPeabody-Burns Junior/Senior High School is a public secondary school in Peabody, Kansas, USA operated by Unified School District 398, and serves students of grades 7 to 12. It is the sole high school in the district for Peabody, Burns, Wonsevu, and nearby rural areas of Marion / Chase / Harvey /...
- Peabody
- USD 408, Marion
- MarionMarion, KansasMarion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named in honor of Francis Marion, a Brigadier General of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox". As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,927....
, FlorenceFlorence, KansasFlorence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, EastshoreEastshore, KansasEastshore is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The community name comes from it being near the east shore of the Marion Reservoir.-History:From 1964 to 1968, the Marion Reservoir was constructed...
, CanadaCanada, KansasCanada is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It is named for many Canadian immigrants coming to the area.-19th century:...
, AulneAulne, KansasAulne is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The Aulne name was suggested by officials of the railroad when it was built through Aulne.-19th century:...
, Rural Areas - Marion High SchoolMarion High School (Kansas)Marion High School is a public secondary school in Marion, Kansas, USA. It is one of three schools operated by Unified School District 408, and is the sole high school in the district.-Academics:...
- Marion
- USD 410, Hillsboro
- HillsboroHillsboro, KansasHillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
, LehighLehigh, KansasLehigh is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 175.-19th century:For millennia, the land that is currently Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana...
, DurhamDurham, KansasDurham is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 112. Home of Donahue Corporation.-19th century:...
, Rural Areas - Hillsboro High SchoolHillsboro High School (Kansas)Hillsboro High School is a public secondary school in Hillsboro, Kansas, USA. It is one of three schools operated by Unified School District 410, and is the sole high school in the district for Hillsboro, Lehigh, and Durham.-Academics:...
- Hillsboro
- USD 411, Goessel
- GoesselGoessel, KansasGoessel is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named after Captain Kurt von Goessel who went down with his ship, the Elbe, in the English Channel after it was rammed. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 539....
, Rural Areas - Goessel High School
- Goessel
Colleges
- Tabor College, in HillsboroHillsboro, KansasHillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For...
- Butler Community College, Marion
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, KansasNational Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, KansasThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Kansas.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Marion County, Kansas, United States...
- Public Land Survey SystemPublic Land Survey SystemThe Public Land Survey System is a method used in the United States to survey and identify land parcels, particularly for titles and deeds of rural, wild or undeveloped land. Its basic units of area are the township and section. It is sometimes referred to as the rectangular survey system,...
- Chisholm TrailChisholm TrailThe Chisholm Trail was a trail used in the late 19th century to drive cattle overland from ranches in Texas to Kansas railheads. The portion of the trail marked by Jesse Chisholm went from his southern trading post near the Red River, to his northern trading post near Kansas City, Kansas...
- Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe TrailThe Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1822 by William Becknell, it served as a vital commercial and military highway until the introduction of the railroad to Santa Fe in 1880...
Further reading
County- Marion County Kansas : Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House in Hillsboro, KS; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972.
- The Early Schools of Marion County Kansas; Wilma Stewart Stallwitz; Located at Peabody Township Library; 33 pages; November 11, 1960.
- World War Roll of Honor : Marion County Kansas 1917-1920; Mrs Alexander and Mrs Dean of Marion, Kansas; 221 pages; 1920. (Downlaod 11MB PDF eBook)
- Standard Atlas of Marion County Kansas; Geo A. Ogle & Co; 103 pages; 1902. (Online HTML eBook)
- Marion County Auto Tour of the Santa Fe Trail; 2 pages. (Download 1MB PDF Flyer)
- Wikipedia : The Marion County Kansas Collection; 2nd Edition; Wikipedia; 410 pages; September 4, 2011. (Download 64MB PDF eBook)
Kansas
- History of the State of Kansas; William G. Cutler; A.T. Andreas Publisher; 1883. (Online HTML eBook)
- Kansas : A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc; 3 Volumes; Frank W. Blackmar; Standard Publishing Co; 944 / 955 / 824 pages; 1912. (Volume1 - Download 54MB PDF eBook), (Volume2 - Download 53MB PDF eBook), (Volume3 - Download 33MB PDF eBook)
USA
- The Story of the Marking of the Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe TrailThe Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1822 by William Becknell, it served as a vital commercial and military highway until the introduction of the railroad to Santa Fe in 1880...
by the Daughters of the American RevolutionDaughters of the American RevolutionThe Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descended from a person involved in United States' independence....
in Kansas and the State of Kansas; Almira Cordry; Crane Co; 164 pages; 1915. (Download 4MB PDF eBook) - The National Old Trails Road To Southern California, Part 1 (LA to KC); Automobile Club Of Southern California; 64 pages; 1916. (Download 6.8MB PDF eBook)
External links
County- Marion County - Official Website
- Marion County - Directory of Public Officials
- Marion County - Economic Development Council
- Marion County - Information, Skyways
News
Historical
- Pioneer trails
- Detailed map of Santa Fe Trail
- Marion County History Bibliography
- Marion County Schools Bibliography
- History of Early Marion County Newspapers, 1916
Maps
- Marion County Map, KDOT
- Kansas Highway Map, KDOT
- Kansas Railroad Map, KDOT
- Kansas School District Boundary Map, KSDE
- Marion County School District Boundary Map, U.S. Census Bureau