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Council Grove, Kansas

This striking statue, depicting a pioneer mother with two children, pays tribute to the sturdy women of covered wagon days. The 10-feet-tall figure is made of pink Algonite stone and was erected in 1928 by the Daughters of the American Revolution whose vision inspired sculptor August Leimbach from Kaltennordheim, Germany.

Identical Madonna statues were erected in historically significant communities in 11 other states that connect the east coast to the west along the trails established by the Old Trails Association. Judge Harry Truman was on the committee to assist in making the selection of the trails to follow. The trails pass through 12 states from West Virginia, through Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, California, to name a few of the twelve. Council Grove received the statue as it was the place of the signing of the treaty with the Osage Indians to allow for the commerce between Indenpendence Missouri and Santa Fe New Mexico. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Old Trails Associations and the Kansas Historical Society also have numerous granite markers from Missouri to southwest Kansas along the Santa Fe Trail.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Farmers and Drovers Bank Building

A Council Grove landmark, the Farmers and Drovers Bank is one of the community's most ornate buildings. The two-story red brick bank with limestone trim was built in 1892 for $20,000. Its "eclectic"

Council Grove, KS Historic Buildings

Neosho River Walk

"Retracing the Footsteps of the Pioneers"

Council Grove, KS Trails

Hermit's Cave

This tiny cave was the temporary home of an Italian hermit, Giovanni Maria Augustini, who lived here for a brief period in the spring of 1863. Later that year, the religious mystic left with a wagon train, walking the 500 miles to New Mexico.

Council Grove, KS Pioneer History

Field School House

The one-room Field School, closed at the end of the 1945-46 school year, is remarkably well preserved. It was moved from its original site 8 miles south of Council Grove to Maple Camp in 1999

Council Grove, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Old Stone Barn

This imposing, 76-foot-long native stone barn was built into the bank of a hill in 1871 on land owned by the town's founder, Seth Hays. It's the only structure remaining from the Morris County Poor Farm, which existed here from 1889-1945.

Council Grove, KS Historic Barns

Things to do near Council Grove, KS

Great Life Golf & Fitness of Abilene

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Onaga Branch Library

The Onaga Branch Library is part of the Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library. We have a large selection of fiction and non...