Near Marysville in Marshall County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Marysville
A few miles below Marysville was the famous ford on the Oregon Trail known as the Independence, Mormon or California crossing. There thousands of covered wagons with settlers bound for Oregon, Mormons for Utah and gold seekers for California crossed the Big Blue River. In 1849 a ferry and trading post was established at the ford by Frank J. Marshall, despite constant danger from Indians. Two years later the military road between Forts Leavenworth and Kearny crossed the river at the site of present Marysville, one mile west. Marshall built another ferry and for years handled an immense traffic. He gave the name of his wife, Mary, to the town that developed here and his own name to Marshall County of which it is the county seat. In 1860 Marysville became a station on the Pony Express. For most of the 1860's it was an important stopping place for coaches of the great Overland Stage Line.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 50.528′ N, 96° 37.381′ W. Marker was near Marysville, Kansas, in Marshall County. Marker was on Pony Express Highway (U.S. 36) near 11th Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1095 Pony Express Highway, Marysville KS 66508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Marysville (a few steps from this marker); Marshall County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); S. M. N. & R. American Legion Post 163 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Marshall County Court House (approx. one mile away); Marysville, Kan. (approx. one mile away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); Union Pacific Engine No. 460 (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Marysville (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marysville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Also see . . .
1. History of Marysville, Kansas. City website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Pony Express National Historic Trail. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. National Pony Express Association. Association website homepage (Submitted on October 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 529 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.