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The St. John National Bank St. John, Kansas

St. John, Kansas

St. John, Kansas

John Pierce St. John was the governor of Kansas at the time of the Mormon settlement in 1879, in what was then named Zion Valley. St. John became the permanent county seat in 1882 and for that status the town offered to the county the public square, 40 acres for a fair ground, offices and courtrooms free of cost for five years.

The square in the center of town acquired the name of "St. John's mud and weed patch" because of the unsightly weeds and the occasional mud in the buffalo wallows. Bickerton's Zion Valley Post Office was moved to the square and the name changed to St. John. From turnip patch to city, the lease obligated the county to cultivate the square, plant trees, and erect a fountain and fences.

A reviewer familiar with the part played by Bickertonites in settling the St. John community, says, "There has been from the beginning of Stafford County, a sense that this is a protected area, that God directed the early settlement. The area was designated as a State of Zion, first called Zion Valley by the inspiration of God. It carried with it a blessing from heaven.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Fountain in the Park

Hesperian ladies from 1909 until 1914 earned approximately $5,000.00 for park improvements. They purchased a "fountain popular for the times" and dedicated it to Thomas Mosely because of his interest and dedication to a pleasant and attractive park on October 17, 1913

St. John, KS Arts

Ida Goodman Library

The Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library was built and dedicated in 1969. A gift from Mrs Ida Long Goodman, a former teacher, principal, and Stafford County superintendent made the facility possible.

St. John, KS Libraries

St. John Science Museum

St. John Science Museum is a nationally known, working museum of scientific demonstrations that young and old can enjoy. In the museum you will see... * Electricity Traveling Through The Air! * A Bicycle Generator That Puts You To Work! *

St. John, KS Museums



Things to do near St. John, KS

Kingman Parks

* City Park - Cross Ninnescah on Main * Champlin Park - East 54 * Water Tower Park - 900 N. Main * Broadwa...

Historic Fox Theatre

The Newton Fox Theatre was built in 1914 and once showcased vaudeville acts. It had a full pit for an orchestra and coal shoo...