Near Herington in Dickinson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Father Juan de Padilla & Quivira
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 1, 2011
1. Father Juan de Padilla & Quivira Marker
In 1540 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado marched north from Mexico with 300 Spaniards in search of the "Seven Golden Cities of Cibola." With them were several priests, including Juan de Padilla, a Franciscan friar. When the golden cities proved to be only adobe pueblos the Spaniards went on to explore the Southwest and Padilla was among those who discovered the Grand Canyon. Later he marched with a party of 30 picked horsemen to the land of Quivira in Kansas. For 25 days in the summer of 1541 Coronado remained among the grass-hut villages of the Quiviran Indians, then returned to New Mexico. Padilla went with him, but the following year came back as a missionary. Here he was later killed by the Indians, the first Christian martyr in what is now the United States. Although the exact place of his death is unknown there is a monument to Padilla in City Park in Herington.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1540.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 38.928′ N, 96° 56.508′
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Dwight David Eisenhower (here, next to this marker); Rock Island Depot (approx. one mile away); Bicentennial Monument Dedication (approx. 1.1 miles away); Juan de Padilla Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Vietnam Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Hope City Bell (approx. 7.9 miles away); Wilbert Henry Otte (approx. 10.4 miles away); Chaplain (Father) Emil J. Kapaun (approx. 13.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Herington.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Juan de Padilla. Kansapedia entry (Submitted on November 19, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Juan de Padilla. Kansas Cyclopedia (1912) entry (Submitted on November 19, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 1, 2011
2. Father Juan de Padilla & Quivira Marker
Looking NE toward US Hwy 56/77 in right distance
3. Replacement marker. The Father Juan de Padilla & Quivira marker was replaced by this Dwight David Eisenhower marker in 2012, as described here
(3/23/2019; cm) (Submitted on January 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,111 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
