Marysville, Kansas History

Colonel Frank I. Marshall had moved from Missouri in 1852 to establish a trading post-tavern, a town, and a ferry at the crossing of the Blue (Independence/Big Blue River Crossing) in northern Kansas. The town that grew up around the tavern was then named Marysville for Marshall's wife, Mary Williams of Missouri.

The first post office to be named for a woman was Marysville.

Camp Marysville was established here in 1857.

E. & L. - Elwood and Marysville Railroad -- Iron arrived and track-laying began on the first railroad in Kansas March 20, 1860.

Marysville Intersection

1) Fort Leavenworth-Fort Kearny Military Road

2) Mormon Trail-- The Mormon and the Oregon Trails converged at the Independence Crossing/Big Blue River Crossing.

3) Oregon-California Trail (Independence Road)-- The main stem of the Oregon-California Trail (Independence Road) joined the California Trail (St. Joseph Road) just west of Marysville. This junction marked the end of the 172 miles of the Independence Road.

4) California Trail (St. Joseph Road)

5) Pony Express Route-- The Pony Express station is the only original home station along the Pony Express Route that still stands in its original location.

Source: see Rydjord in Kansas Town Sources file.

Return to the Kansas Community Networks
or return to the Kansas Heritage Server.