Marion, Kansas
City and County seat
Marion County Courthouse (2009)
Marion County Courthouse (2009)
Location within Marion County and Kansas
Location within Marion County and Kansas
KDOT map of Marion County (legend)
KDOT map of Marion County (legend)
Coordinates: 38°21′17″N 97°00′29″W / 38.35472°N 97.00806°W / 38.35472; -97.00806[1]
CountryUnited States
StateKansas
CountyMarion
TownshipCentre
Platted1866, 1871, 1873
Incorporated1875
Named forFrancis Marion
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • MayorDavid Mayfield[2]
Area
[3]
 • Total2.70 sq mi (6.98 km2)
 • Land2.69 sq mi (6.96 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
[1]
1,342 ft (409 m)
Population
 (2020)[4]
 • Total1,922
 • Density710/sq mi (280/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
66861
Area code620
FIPS code20-44750[1]
GNIS ID485619[1]
Websitemarionks.net

Marion is a city in, and the county seat of, Marion County, Kansas, United States.[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,922.[4] The city was named in honor of Francis Marion, a brigadier general of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox".[5]

History

Early history

See also: History of Kansas

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

19th century

1893 Railroad Map

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1806, Zebulon Pike led the Pike Expedition westward from St Louis, Missouri, of which part of their journey followed the Cottonwood River through Marion County near the current cities of Florence, Marion, Durham.[6]

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1855, Marion County was established within Kansas, which included the land for modern day Marion.[7]

The city of Marion Centre was founded in 1860 and became the county seat, named in honor of Francis Marion.[8] A post office was established on September 30, 1862, which shortened the name to Marion on October 15, 1881. The city officially adopted the shorter name on January 17, 1882.[9] In 1875, Marion incorporated as a city as a 3rd class city, later in 1888 it became a 2nd class city.[10]

Marion Library, in former Santa Fe depot (Marion CO-OP grain elevator in background) (2011)

As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company.[10] In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence to McPherson, in 1880 it was extended to Lyons, in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood.[11] The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The line from Florence to Marion, was abandoned in 1968.[12] In 1992, the line from Marion to McPherson was sold to Central Kansas Railway. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence, Marion, Canada, Hillsboro, Lehigh, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Conway, Windom, Little River, Mitchell, Lyons, Chase, Ellinwood. Later, the Santa Fe depot building was converted into the Marion Library. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a branch line north-south from Herington through Marion to Caldwell.[13] It foreclosed in 1891 and was taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad, and finally merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".

In 1889, the Marion Belt and Chingawasa Springs Railroad built a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) railroad from Marion north-east to Chingawasa Springs. A hotel was built near the site of the spa at Chingawasa Springs, and a depot and eatery as well. Both Santa Fe and Rock Island offered round trip fares from Chicago and western cities to Chingawasa Springs. An economic panic in 1893 closed down the health spa and hotel, and quarry business along the tracks never developed sufficiently. In 1893, the railroad ceased operations, and tracks were removed in 1910.[14][15]

20th century

1915 Railroad Map of Marion County

The National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and was routed through Lehigh, Hillsboro, Marion and Lost Springs.

In 1937, the Marion County Lake was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps south-east of Marion for the purpose of recreation. There were numerous floods during the early history of Marion. In June and July 1951, due to heavy rains, rivers and streams flooded numerous cities in Kansas, including Marion. Many reservoirs and levees were built in Kansas as part of a response to the Great Flood of 1951. From 1964 to 1968, the Marion Reservoir was constructed north-west of Marion. Downstream from the Marion Reservoir, levees were built in the low areas of Marion and Florence.

21st century

Marion business district (2009)

2023 newspaper raid

Main article: Marion County Record § 2023 police raid

In August 2023, Marion County police raided the newspaper Marion County Record, its owners, and a local city council member after the police had become aware that the paper had received evidence, from a confidential source, that a local business owner had a drunk driving conviction and continued to drive without a license.[16][17][18]

Geography

Marion is located in the scenic Flint Hills and Great Plains of the state of Kansas. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.99 square miles (7.74 km2), of which 2.98 square miles (7.72 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.[19]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Marion has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[20]

Climate data for Marion, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1966–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23) 		80
(27) 		88
(31) 		95
(35) 		98
(37) 		105
(41) 		110
(43) 		109
(43) 		107
(42) 		97
(36) 		83
(28) 		74
(23) 		110
(43)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 62.5
(16.9) 		68.6
(20.3) 		77.7
(25.4) 		84.6
(29.2) 		91.2
(32.9) 		97.3
(36.3) 		102.5
(39.2) 		101.1
(38.4) 		95.9
(35.5) 		87.8
(31.0) 		73.6
(23.1) 		63.9
(17.7) 		103.5
(39.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 41.0
(5.0) 		45.7
(7.6) 		56.8
(13.8) 		66.9
(19.4) 		76.5
(24.7) 		86.9
(30.5) 		92.2
(33.4) 		90.7
(32.6) 		82.7
(28.2) 		70.3
(21.3) 		55.5
(13.1) 		43.8
(6.6) 		67.4
(19.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 31.1
(−0.5) 		35.2
(1.8) 		45.8
(7.7) 		55.8
(13.2) 		66.0
(18.9) 		76.2
(24.6) 		81.2
(27.3) 		79.4
(26.3) 		71.1
(21.7) 		58.5
(14.7) 		44.9
(7.2) 		34.2
(1.2) 		56.6
(13.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 21.3
(−5.9) 		24.7
(−4.1) 		34.7
(1.5) 		44.6
(7.0) 		55.5
(13.1) 		65.6
(18.7) 		70.1
(21.2) 		68.2
(20.1) 		59.4
(15.2) 		46.7
(8.2) 		34.3
(1.3) 		24.6
(−4.1) 		45.8
(7.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 1.1
(−17.2) 		5.4
(−14.8) 		15.0
(−9.4) 		27.2
(−2.7) 		38.8
(3.8) 		51.8
(11.0) 		57.8
(14.3) 		56.0
(13.3) 		42.3
(5.7) 		28.3
(−2.1) 		17.0
(−8.3) 		7.0
(−13.9) 		−2.5
(−19.2)
Record low °F (°C) −16
(−27) 		−20
(−29) 		−5
(−21) 		11
(−12) 		26
(−3) 		42
(6) 		46
(8) 		47
(8) 		28
(−2) 		14
(−10) 		4
(−16) 		−24
(−31) 		−24
(−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.80
(20) 		1.21
(31) 		2.15
(55) 		3.11
(79) 		5.20
(132) 		4.54
(115) 		4.34
(110) 		3.98
(101) 		3.50
(89) 		2.55
(65) 		1.38
(35) 		1.18
(30) 		33.94
(862)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 1.3
(3.3) 		0.8
(2.0) 		0.9
(2.3) 		0.4
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.3
(0.76) 		1.5
(3.8) 		5.3
(13.41)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.9 3.8 5.8 7.4 9.9 8.6 8.4 7.5 6.6 6.0 3.8 4.0 75.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 1.0 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.9 3.1
Source 1: NOAA[21]
Source 2: National Weather Service[22]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880857—
18902,047138.9%
19001,824−10.9%
19101,8410.9%
19201,9284.7%
19301,9591.6%
19402,0866.5%
19502,050−1.7%
19602,1695.8%
19702,052−5.4%
19801,951−4.9%
19901,906−2.3%
20002,11010.7%
20101,927−8.7%
20201,922−0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 1,922 people, 860 households, and 502 families in Marion.[23][24] The population density was 696.9 per square mile (269.1/km2). There were 971 housing units at an average density of 352.1 per square mile (135.9/km2).[23][25] The racial makeup was 94.17% (1,810) white or European American (93.08% non-Hispanic white), 0.1% (2) black or African-American, 0.47% (9) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.05% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.26% (5) from other races, and 4.94% (95) from two or more races.[26] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.33% (64) of the population.[27]

Of the 860 households, 23.8% had children under the age of 18; 46.4% were married couples living together; 29.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.7% of households consisted of individuals and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[23] The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.9.[28] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 18.4% of the population.[29]

20.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 20.9% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.0 males.[23] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 117.8 males.[23]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $46,548 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,836) and the median family income was $59,028 (+/- $9,025).[30] Males had a median income of $40,000 (+/- $11,143) versus $28,750 (+/- $8,663) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $32,826 (+/- $3,144).[31] Approximately, 5.2% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under the age of 18 and 4.2% of those ages 65 or over.[32][33]

2010 census

At the 2010 census,[34] there were 1,927 people, 846 households, and 514 families residing in the city. The population density was 646.6 per square mile (249.7/km2). There were 973 housing units at an average density of 326.5 per square mile (126.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 846 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.2% were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age was 44 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 23% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census,[35] there were 2,110 people, 859 households and 556 families residing in the city. The population density was 948.6 inhabitants per square mile (366.3/km2). There were 968 housing units at an average density of 435.2 per square mile (168.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.58% White, 0.05% African American, 0.81% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 859 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.94.

25.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median household income was $32,125 and the median family income was $42,202. Males had a median income of $30,907 compared with $23,929 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,464. About 5.3% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Area events

Area attractions

1886 Elgin Hotel (2022)

Marion has five listings on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Nearby recreational areas:

Government

1887 Donaldson and Hosmer Building (2022)

City

The Marion government consists of a mayor and four council members. The city council meets every other Monday at 4:30pm.[2]

County

U.S.

Education

former Hill Grade School (2022)
former Bown-Corby Grade School (2022)

Public schools

The community is served by Marion–Florence USD 408 public school district. The high school is a member of T.E.E.N., a shared video teaching network between five area high schools.[48]

Library

Each USD 408 school has a library for student access. The city is served by the Marion City Library at 101 Library Street. The library is a member of the North Central Kansas Libraries System, which provides an inter-library book loan service between its members.[49]

Media

See also: List of newspapers in Kansas, List of radio stations in Kansas, and List of television stations in Kansas

Print

Radio

Marion is served by numerous radio stations from the Wichita-Hutchinson listening market area,[50] and satellite radio. (See Media in Wichita, Kansas.)

Television

Marion is served by over-the-air ATSC digital TV of the Wichita-Hutchinson viewing market area,[51] cable TV, and satellite TV. (See Media in Wichita, Kansas.)

Infrastructure

Transportation

U.S. Route 56 runs along the city's northern side, and U.S. Route 77 is 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the city. Kansas Highway 256 runs through the center of town as Main Street, past the east end business section, Marion High School and the downtown business district. A regional Kansas Department of Transportation office is located on the north side of Marion at the corner of U.S. Route 56 and Cedar Street.

The Oklahoma Kansas Texas (OKT)[52] line of the Union Pacific Railroad runs north-south through the city.

Marion Municipal Airport, FAA:43K,[53] is located south-east of Marion and centered at 38°20′15″N 96°59′30″W / 38.337500°N 96.991666°W / 38.337500; -96.991666.[54]

Notable people

Francis Marion (late 1700s)

See also: List of Marion High School notable people

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Marion, Kansas
  2. ^ a b c "City Council". City of Marion. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Profile of Marion, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  5. ^ "Blue Skyways – A service of the State Library of Kansas". Archived from the original on July 17, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  6. ^ "1806 Pike Expedition map through Marion County" (PDF). zebulonpike.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 17, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  7. ^ "The History of Marion County and Courthouse". Archived from the original on February 27, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  8. ^ Kansas State Historical Society (1916). Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society. Kansas State Printing Plant. pp. 233.
  9. ^ "Kansas Post Offices, 1828–1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Marion County Kansas : Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972.
  11. ^ Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners for the Year Ending December 1, 1886 in State of Kansas; Kansas Publishing House; 1886. August 13, 1886.
  12. ^ "Lyons to Florence, KS - Abandoned Rails". www.abandonedrails.com.
  13. ^ "Rock Island Rail History". Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  14. ^ "The Marion Belt and Chingawasa Springs Railroad". www.rypn.org.
  15. ^ "Chingawasa Springs (1 of 2)". National Orphan Train Complex. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
  16. ^ a b "Police stage 'chilling' raid on Marion County newspaper, seizing computers, records and cellphones". Kansas Reflector. August 11, 2023. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023.
  17. ^ "A central Kansas police force sparked a firestorm by raiding a newspaper and the publisher's home". AP News. August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  18. ^ "Police seized phone, computer from town official the same day as Kansas newspaper raid". Kansas City Star.
  19. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  20. ^ "Climate Summary for Marion, Kansas". Weatherbase.
  21. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Marion RSVR, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  22. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita". National Weather Service. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d e "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  24. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  25. ^ Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  26. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  27. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  28. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  29. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  30. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  31. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  32. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  33. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  34. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  35. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  36. ^ "Chingawassa Days Festival 2012". chingawassa.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2012.
  37. ^ "City of Marion Official web site". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  38. ^ "City of Marion Official web site". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  39. ^ "marionelgin.com". Archived from the original on March 10, 2012.
  40. ^ "Elgin Hotel" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places.
  41. ^ "First Presbyterian Church" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places.
  42. ^ "Hill Grade School" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places.
  43. ^ "Marion County, KS |". www.marioncoks.net.
  44. ^ "Marion County Courthouse" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places.
  45. ^ "City of Marion Official web site". Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  46. ^ a b "Police Department". City of Marion. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023.
  47. ^ "Fire Department". City of Marion. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023.
  48. ^ "T.E.E.N. video teaching network". teen632.
  49. ^ "Marion City Library". Archived from the original on July 8, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  50. ^ "Wichita-Hutchinson Radio market". Archived from the original on October 22, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
  51. ^ "Wichita - Hutchinson Television Stations - Station Index". www.stationindex.com.
  52. ^ "UP Railroad Common Line Names" (PDF). Union Pacific Railroad. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  53. ^ "Marion Municipal Airport map" (PDF). June 10, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 16, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  54. ^ "AirNav: 43K - Marion Municipal Airport". www.airnav.com.
  55. ^ "13 Advance to Semi-finals". The Victoria Advocate. May 7, 1983.
  56. ^ "Kansas Legislators Past & Present". kslib.info. Archived from the original on August 1, 2010.
  57. ^ Capace, Nancy (June 1, 2000). Encyclopedia of Kansas. North American Book Dist LLC. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-403-09312-0.

Further reading

See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities

See also: List of books about Marion County, Kansas, including historical information about its communities

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marion, Kansas.
Municipalities and communities of Marion County, Kansas, United States
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