Marion County, KS
Welcome to Marion County!You will soon discover some of the best kept secrets in the Heartland!
Each community in Marion County has a unique heitage, which you may share and experience at any of the many museums, restaurants, craft shops and other attractions throughout the country.
Marion County is located at the center of it all, in the middle of Kansas in the central United States.
In the 1860's, Marion County extended west all the way to the Colorado Territory line!. Today those borders have been reduced, but Marion County Still offers plenty of territory for tourism and recreation!
Marion County is the only location in the United States where the Santa Fe Trail and Chisholm Trail cross each other's paths. Visitors may track the Santa Fe Trail in northern Marion County, near Lost Springs, Romona, Tampa and Durham.
Cowboys herded longhorns from Texas along the famous Chisholm Trail, located in the western part of the county near Goessel, Lehigh, Hillsboro and Durham.
In southern Marion County, the towns of Florence and Peabody were founded along the route of the Santa Fe Railroad.
Old Indian trails cross through the county, as well. Many artifacts continue to be discovered in several locations.
Explore Marion County
Prairie Lawn Cemetery
Of special interest in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery whose association began in 1880, is its close connection with the Civil War.Around 125 graves of veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic are found here. According to the Peabody Historical Society, more may exist, although they are unmarked.
Peabody, KS CemeteriesMarion Country Club and Golf Course
If you take potential hazards as a personal challenge, then the Marion golf course heads the list. A natural creek meanders through the hilly nine hole course and provides plenty of challenges to golfers.
Marion, KS Golf CoursesHill School Building
The Hill School building is the oldest building in the state of Kansas in continuous educational use. Built in 1873 of native stone, it is listed on the National Historic Register.
Marion, KS Historic SchoolhousesMarion Cemetery
A unique monument of great interest in the Marion Cemetery is that of Rueben Riggs. It stands in honor of a man who did not make any major historic contributions, but who is remembered for showing kindness to other people.
Marion, KS CemeteriesPeabody City Park
Peabody's beautiful City Park has provided a meeting place for generations of community members. The idea of a park was perhaps established in 1876 when the tradition of having a county wide 4
Peabody, KS LandmarksPresbyterian Church
The distinction of being the oldest church organization in Marion County belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Marion, which is also listed on the State Register of Historic Buildings. The native stone used to build this structure was cut in 1872
Marion, KS Historic ChurchesSalem Orphan's Home Cemetery
Although known as the Salem Orphan's Home Cemetery, this field of graves once belonged to the Industrial School and Hygiene Home for the Friendless. Incorporated in 1890, the purpose of the home was to "
Hillsboro, KS CemeteriesPeabody Downtown Walking Tour
33 sites along Walnut Street, the main street of Peabody, remarkably remain while most pioneer towns suffer losses from fires and storms. The oldest building dating to 1878, was first occupied by a bank, then the majority of other buildings were built in 1883.
Peabody, KS ToursMarion Historical Museum
The Museum building was constructed in 1882 for the First Baptist Church and continued to serve Baptist congregations until the middle of the 1950s. It was then given to Marion County for use as a museum and formally dedicated in 1961 on Old Settler's Day - the year of Marion'
Marion, KS MuseumsTabor College
Tabor College is an accredited 4 year liberal arts Christian college, with an extensive collection of Mennonite history, cultural and sporting events.
Hillsboro, KS CollegesMorgan House
The Morgan House is a two story Queen Anne Cottage built by W.H. Morgan, first editor of the Peabody Gazette, for his family in 1881
Peabody, KS Museums