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St. Marys, Kansas

St. Marys, Kansas

The beautiful town of St. Marys is on the Kansas River and marks the earliest point settled by white men in Pottawatomie County.

In 1848, the Jesuit fathers, chief among who were Rev. Morris Gailland, Rev. J.B. Hoeken and Rev. Father Va Wright, established a mission at what is now the town of St. Marys, for the purpose of educating the Indians so as to bring them to the knowledge of Christianity.

Benjamin H. Bertrand and his brother Joseph, who were Catholics, worked with the priests for the initial movement for the foundation of an institution known as St. Mary's College. The Mission School for the Pottawatomie started in 1848 and lasted until 1869 until the college became chartered. By 1882, it was one of the most attractive places for student life that could be found in the west.

St. Marys was laid out as a town by B.H. Bertrand, August 8, 1866. Three land additions were made by 1870.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

"Presence of Three"

This unique sculpture depicts the Pottawatomie Indians, the Mission and the Oregon Trail. It can be seen on the north side of Highway 24 in the center of town.

St. Marys, KS Arts

Historical Barn

The Historical Barn was constructed in and dedicated in 1989

St. Marys, KS Museums

St. Mary's College (Originally St. Mary's Mission)

A Brief History of St. Mary's Mission St. Marys, Kansas Following their removal from the Great Lakes area, Pottawatomie Indians were moved to Kansas. Admission was set up for them on Sugar Creek near present day Osawatomie in March of 1839. In1846

St. Marys, KS Historic Churches

Indian Pay Station Museum

The Indian Pay Station, the oldest building in Pottawatomie County, was built in 1857

St. Marys, KS Museums

Historical Essays

Historical Essays written by local historian, Dorothy Hoobler, are reprinted from the St. Marys Star. Thanks to Dorothy for taking the time and interest to write these essays that give us a glimpse into the life and times of St. Marys, Kansas.

St. Marys, KS Literature

Things to do near St. Marys, KS

Abilene Driving Tour of Historic Markers

28 bronze markers have been placed through-out the city of Abilene indicating historic sites....

Durland Park

Located on East Main Street. This park is a great place to have lunch in the shade and visit some of Council Grove's historic...