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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

Council Grove City Lake

Located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove. Fisherman will be hooked on the bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie, in this well stocked 500

Council Grove, KS Recreation

Custer Elm

Legend has it that while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail with his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment, George Armstrong Custer camped under the huge elm that flourished at this site. The massive trunk is all that remains of this tree that measured more than 100 feet tall and 16 feet around. Custer bought 120

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Kaw Mission

The Kaw (or Kansa) Indians lived in three villages southeast of Council Grove from 1848 until their removal south to Indian Territory in 1873. Methodist Episcopal missionaries built this school for Kaw children in 1851

Council Grove, KS Museums

Council Oak

A shelter east of the Neosho River bridge protects the stump of the Council Oak. Gathered in the shade of the big oak on a hot August day in 1825

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Things to do near Council Grove, KS