Marion Schools

Marion students attend school in the Marion-Florence Unified School District 408. Total enrollment for USD 408 as of 2015 is 550. Students can participate in a variety of activities including track, football and golf. 

Marion Lifestyle

Enjoy the scenic beauty, rich heritage, and abundant recreational opportunities of Marion, Kansas, “the town between two lakes.” With historic stone buildings, modern school facilities and business opportunities abounding, Marion is a great place to live, raise a family, build a business, work, play and retire.

(Source- City of Marion-www.marionks.net)

Marion Transportation

Highway US-56 runs through the north side of Marion. McPherson and El Dorado are both under 45 minutes away. Wichita and Emporia are under an hour from Marion.

Marion Local Attractions/Activities

Marion offers several restaurants including Wagon Wheel Express and Gambino’s Pizza. Marion is home to several churches including the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Valley United Methodist Church and Holy Family Catholic Church. Marion offers a variety of historic and outdoor activities.

Marion County Park

Marion County Park and Lake is less than five minutes east of Marion. This beautiful 300 acre park includes a 153-acre lake, heated fishing dock, new shower house facility, gathering hall and camping facilities.

Marion Reservoir

Ten minutes west of town is Marion Reservoir, a federal facility that serves as the water supply for the city. With over 6,200 acres of fishing, hunting, boating, camping and recreational opportunities, it’s one of the larger bodies of water in the area. Whether you are an avid sportsman, bird watcher, or nature and wildlife lover, you will enjoy the peaceful scenery and gorgeous sunsets.

Marion Historic Downtown

Rich with heritage, Marion’s historic stone buildings and churches, our beautiful native limestone courthouse and historic Santa Fe Depot (now our City Library) give you a glimpse of the past. Historic home tours are available. Experience Marion’s quality of life and safe environment, as you explore and shop in this quaint community.

Marion Central Park

Marion’s Central Park serves as the community’s hub. From “Chingawassa Days”, “Art in the Park”, “Old Settler’s Day”, to everyday activities, Central Park is inviting to all. This six-acre park is home to a newly restored natural springs and waterfall.

(Source- City of Marion-www.marionks.net)

Marion –History

The City of Marion was founded in June of 1860 when settlers in five covered wagons were told by surveyors at Emporia that there was good, virgin farmland about 60 miles to the southwest. The surveyors called it the best land in the territory.

One of the travelers in the group, George Griffith was the first to build a shanty on the site where the Santa Fe Depot (Now the Santa Fe Depot Library) stands and was also the first in Marion County to file for a homestead, doing so on August 8, 1860.

The official naming of the settlement came when a post office was established here in 1862. Because the settlement was located near the center of the county, the name Marion Centre seemed appropriate.

The population of Marion Centre increased at a faster rate after the Civil War ended. William Billings is credited with building the first stone residence.

Marion Centre had increased in population by the early 1870’s to a point where it could file for incorporation as a third class city.

Two changes took place in the 1880’s regarding Marion Centre. First the "Centre" was dropped from the town name. The Post Office has used the name Marion since October 15, 1881. The city adopted it officially on January 17, 1882. Second, because population increased, the city became eligible for second class status. Therefore on May 25, 1888, Governor John A. Martin proclaimed it a second class city.

Marion has the distinction of being the oldest settlement in Marion County and boasts a population today of 2,110 residents. Each year Marion commemorates this fact with the celebration of "Old Settlers Day".

(Source- City of Marion-www.marionks.com)