Marshall County, KS
Marshall County is rich in history with eleven sites on the National Historic Register. It is crossed by eight historic trails, including the Oregon Trail, the Pony Express Trail, the Military Trail, Overland (Stage) Trail, Mormon Trail, Otoe Trail, Pike's Peak-California Trail and St. Joseph-California Trail. It is also crossed by the railroad, which entered the county in the 1860's. It is estimated the westward migration over twenty-three years saw 500,000 follow these trails. The town of Frankfort is located on one of the longest Indian Trails in the United States. Blue Rapids is home of some of the purest gypsum mined in the world, and host to the 1913 World Tour, Chicago White Sox and New York Giants game. 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
South 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 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 MuseumsHistoric Homes
A variety of beautiful Victorian Homes. Powell Home (1895) on National Historic Register, Hall Home, Thorne Home, Thomas Home, and Virgin Home. Tours available.
Waterville, KS Historic BuildingsPony Express Bronze Horse & Rider
The bronze Pony Express Horse & Rider are located at the Pony Express Plaza, between Broadway & Highway 36 at 7th Street. The park is currently under construction, due to be finished this summer. The Pony Express Horse &
Marysville, KS Pony ExpressAlcove Spring
Alcove Spring is a spring of fresh water flowing from the side of the alcove into the basin below the Naomi Pike 10-12 foot falls, all in a woodland setting. The spring has never been known to dry up, even during severe Kansas droughts. Today, the spring is part of a 223
Blue Rapids, KS LandmarksHutchinson 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 HomesCountry Club Lake
Country Club Lake offers a small playground, a sandy area, fishing and is a great area for kite flying!
Marysville, KS RecreationLee Dam Center for Fine Art
The center for fine art brings cultural events, visual arts, music, and educational programs to the community of Marysville to enhance and enrich the lives of citizens of all ages.
Marysville, KS ArtsGypsum 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 ToursMarysville Country Club
Course Access: Private
Holes: 9
Reserve Advance Tee Times:
Opera House
Opened in 1903 and is still in use for community activities. The interior was recently painted, and the chandelier has been refurbished to glow as it did in 1903. Tours available.
Waterville, KS Historic Buildings