St. Mary's, KS

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In 1847, a Jesuit Mission that also served as the tribal headquarters for the Potawatomi Tribe was founded on bluffs that overlook the Kansas River Valley. From 1847 to 1857, the area served as one of the last stops on the Independence branch of the Oregon-California Trail. Travelers that passed through the area had destinations such as Salt Lake City, the California Gold Fields, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon Territory.

The City of St. Mary’s was incorporated in 1869 and since 1921 has operated under a city manager-commission form of government. City services include a 24-hour police department, municipal court, volunteer fire department, public works, zoning, code inspection, parks and recreation, golf course, electrical distribution, waste disposal, and water services.

With a population of approximately 2,800, St. Mary’s is home to a major private school and academy (St. Mary’s Academy & College), as well as its own public school system (USD 321 Kaw Valley). While in St. Mary’s, you can watch little league sports, visit the historic Indian Pay Station, browse through the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library, golf at the city course, or visit one of the city’s parks. Only 20 minutes from Topeka and Manhattan, St. Mary’s offers a small town atmosphere, with big city opportunities.