LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Historic Trails Park


category : Pioneer Life
Historic Trails Park Historic Trails Park recognizes the Trails that merged at this point because of the ability to cross the river on the ferry. Trail traffic often crossed a low water ford north of this park bringing westbound travelers through this very spot on the south bank of the Blue River. Marshall's Rope Ferry operated further up river. Often hundreds of wagons with thousands of pioneers camped for days waiting their turn to cross. Pioneer death from illness was common and diaries tell of many graves near the crossings.

A replica of the ferry used by pioneers, Pony Express riders, and other travelers sits in the park. A rope crossed the river above the ferry which rode a pulley back and forth. By turning the wheel, another rope would shift the ferry into or away from the swift river current, pushing the ferry across the river.

Emigrants were the first to cross the Blue River at Marysville on the original Frank Marshall Rope Ferry between 1851 and 1854, until a bridge was built. Costs were $5 per wagon and $0.25 per head of livestock.

Contact the Marysville Chamber of Commerce for directions to the park.


Address: West Highway 36
Phone: 785-562-3101
Our Email: marysvillechamber@sbcglobal.net
Our Website:http://skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/towns/Marysville/
Common Trails Crossing at this area:

* California Trail - National Historic Trail
* Oregon Trail - National Historic Trail
* Mormon Trail - National Historic Trail
* Pony Express Trail - National Historic Trail
* St. Joe Road
* Military Road
* Overland Stage
* Otoe-Missouria

Come visit us in Marysville, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

City Park Historic Displays

After the Union Pacific Railroad converted to diesel power in the early 1950s, Marysville, a crew-change point, asked for and received the great old steam locomotive on display in City Park, a Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0, built in 1901 for UP, later used for short-line freight hauls.

Marysville, KS Railroad History

Historic Courthouse Museum

One of Marysville's great old landmarks is the Historic Marshall County Courthouse. Built in 1891, the brick-faced Romanesque gem has columns of polished red granite. "Justice" stands out in terra-cotta in cornices above the second-floor windows. It is listed on the

Marysville, KS Museums

Hutchinson House

The Hutchinson House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Perry Hutchinson in 1872, this French Renaissance architectural style home is now a private residence.

Marysville, KS Historic Homes

Pusch-Randell-Anderson Home

[Pusch-Randell-Anderson Home] Just east of the Historic Koester Block is one of Marysville's finest houses, the F.S. "Bud" Anderson home. Built in 1904

Marysville, KS Historic Homes

Pony Express Original Home Station #1

Built in 1859 by Joseph Cottrell, the Pony Express Barn Museum is the oldest building in Marshall County. Too, it is the only original home station along the Pony Express route at its original site. The Pony Express System was inaugurated April 3, 1860

Marysville, KS Pony Express

Things to do Pioneer Life near Marysville, KS