Marshall County, KS
In 1851, Francis J. (Frank) Marshall of Weston, Missouri arrived at the bank of the Big Blue River. He came to establish a trading post and to operate a ferry. On November 11, 1854, he opened the first civilian post office in the territory of Kansas. Marshall lent his name to the county and Marysville, the county seat, was named to honor his wife.
Prairie grass along the valleys and gentle slopes of Marshall County were transformed by immigrants into fertile acres of corn, milo, wheat, alfalfa and soybeans. Descendants of the first Hereford cattle brought into the county from England still are bred here, along with large herds of Angus and dairy cattle.
Explore Marshall County
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 HomesSouth Koester House - Restaurant
The newest house in the historic Koester Block was built circa 1904-1906 and is now a restaurant.
Marysville, KS Historic HomesHistoric 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'
Marysville, KS Pioneer LifeOutdoor Mural
This mural painted by local artist, Kenny Winkenwader, depicts the historic Alcove Spring park located five miles north of Blue Rapids. Alcove Spring is one of the best-known stopping points in the 1850s for travelers making the trip west on the Oregon Trail.
Blue Rapids, KS Arts1913 World Tour Exhibition Game Site
On October 24, 1913, Blue Rapids played host to the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants as they played an exhibition game while on World Tour. More than 3,000 fans sat on bleachers, hung on fences, and watched from Model T's when the teams came to town. Advance tickets sold for $1.00 and cost $1.5
Blue Rapids, KS Historic SitesFountain Park Square
The downtown area is built around a Fountain Park which gives Blue Rapids the distinction of being the only round town square in Kansas. Founders platted the town much like those in New England to include a "hub"
Blue Rapids, KS RecreationWaterville's Railroad Depot Museum
Waterville's Railroad Depot Museum keeps Waterville's history in the historic refurbished 1870
Waterville, KS MuseumsHolm Log Cabin
The two room Holm cabin was built by Swedish pioneers in approximately 1876 of hand hewn logs of oak and door frames of walnut. The cabin was lived in until about 1981.
Blue Rapids, KS Pioneer LifePusch-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 HomesGypsum Plant
In 1871, Judge J.V. Coon of Elyria, Ohio, visited Blue rapids and took samples of gypsum back to Ohio for testing. It was found to be suitable for the manufacturing of plaster of paris. In 1872, he and a brother returned and set up the first machinery for processing gypsum. In the early 1900
Blue Rapids, KS ToursHistoric 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 MuseumsTransue Brothers Blacksmith and Wagon Shop Museum
The blacksmith business in Summerfield, Kansas is by far the oldest continuous business in the town, having started with the town in 1889
Summerfield, KS Museums