St. Marys
The beautiful town of St. Marys is on the Kansas River and marks the earliest point settled by white men in Pottawatomie County.
In 1848, the Jesuit fathers, chief among who were Rev. Morris Gailland, Rev. J.B. Hoeken and Rev. Father Va Wright, established a mission at what is now the town of St. Marys, for the purpose of educating the Indians so as to bring them to the knowledge of Christianity.
Benjamin H. Bertrand and his brother Joseph, who were Catholics, worked with the priests for the initial movement for the foundation of an institution known as St. Mary’s College. The Mission School for the Pottawatomie started in 1848 and lasted until 1869 until the college became chartered. By 1882, it was one of the most attractive places for student life that could be found in the west.
St. Marys was laid out as a town by B.H. Bertrand, August 8, 1866. Three land additions were made by 1870.
“Presence of Three”
This unique sculpture depicts the Pottawatomie Indians, the Mission and the Oregon Trail. It can be seen on the north side of Highway 24 in the center of town.
Learn more →Things to Do in St. Marys
Historical Essays
Historical Essays written by local historian, Dorothy Hoobler, are reprinted from the St. Marys Star.…
Learn more →St. Mary’s College (Originally St. Mary’s Mission)
A Brief History of St. Mary's Mission St. Marys, Kansas Following their removal from the…
Learn more →St. Marys Golf Course
St. Marys Golf Course is a city owned 2670 yard, Par 35, 9 hole course.…
Learn more →Indian Pay Station Museum
The Indian Pay Station, the oldest building in Pottawatomie County, was built in 1857 by…
Learn more →Historical Barn
The Historical Barn was constructed in and dedicated in 1989. It is constructed of native…
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