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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

Seth Hays Historic Home

Council Grove town founder, Seth Hays, built this home in 1867. His slave, Aunt Sally, lived in the basement and cared for Hays and his adopted daughter, Kittie Robbins, until her death in 1872. Hays died a year later, February 3, 1873

Council Grove, KS Museums

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

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

Old Bell Monument

Perched high on a hill overlooking the town and Neosho River valley below, this bell was erected in 1866 to warn townsfolk of Indian raids. It also served as a school and church bell for nearly 30 years.

Council Grove, KS Monuments

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

Things to do near Council Grove, KS

Interesting Stonework

There's some interesting stonework in the buildings in the park just south of downtown. ...