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Marion, Kansas

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.

An unusual truncated tree stump is the design of the momument honoring Judge Riggs. The unique monument was made by two Marion artisans, sculpted from Bedford, Indiana limestone. It features a sturdy oak tree about nine feet tall and two feet in diameter. The tree's branches are truncated, a lily blossom in a stone urn rests at the base, and a clinging vine wraps around the tree to the highest branch. Where the branches are truncated, brief epitaphs honor Judge Riggs with messages such as, "An honest judge," "Nature's Nobleman," "A Peacemaker," and "A Poor Man's Friend." Judge Rueben Riggs arrived in Marion County in 1864. During the time he and his family lived in Marion, he served as county attorney. But his is remembered for his unequaled kindness to his neighbors. According to tradition, Riggs, after returning from a successful hunting trip one November, invited everyone within a two-mile radius to his home for Thanksgiving dinner. After a late evening, he extended invitations for all his guests to return again the next Thanksgiving. Riggs moved to Sedgwick County in 1871, where he became the first Judge of Wichita.

Judge Riggs met a premature death in 1873 when he and his son were caught in a blizzard during a buffalo hunt in Western Kansas. His son lost both feet as a result of the storm. Riggs was buried next to his wife in the cemetery in Marion Centre, later being exhumed to the Marion Cemetery.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Central Park

Central Park continues to be a favorite spot to gather for outdoor fun, or sometimes just a stoll among the century old Burr Oaks. The shade from these mighty oaks makes this an outdoor haven even during those warm Kansas summers. The historic fountain built in the park in 1884

Marion, KS Recreation

Marion County Courthouse

Completed in 1909, the Romanesque revival, native limestone courthouse has a clock tower and stone carvings at entrance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Marion, KS Historic Courthouses

Hill 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 Schoolhouses

Marion County Lake and Park

Marion County Park and Lake is a favorite spot for fishermen, as they come from far and near to use the heated dock, where record-breaking fish have been caught. And they do catch 'em! Located near the dam, the heated dock provides 24

Marion, KS Recreation

Marion 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 Museums

Things to do near Marion, KS