1906 -2007

Welcome to Marion County, Kansas.  Marion County is in Central Kansas approximately 60 miles northeast of Wichita.  The county seat, Marion, is located between McPherson to the west and Emporia to the east.  It is home to Marion Reservoir and Marion County Park and Lake.

Mission Statement

Achieve a spirit of cooperation between county and local officials, business and agriculture leaders; and all citizens in order to achieve positive change and progress. Target strategic areas to improve infrastructure, develop efficient and effective services for citizens, enhance economic vitality, and improve our quality of life to make Marion County a desirable place to live, work or visit.

                Discover Marion County 

      Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime!

             Click Here for attractions and business opportunities.

The History of Marion County and Courthouse

The County of Marion was established in 1855.  It was named in honor of American Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion of South Carolina.  Marion Centre was chosen as the county seat in the August 1865 election.

The original boundaries of the County were divided into three townships, Marion, Cedar and Santa Fe.  The original western boundary of Marion County reached the Kansas-Colorado border. The present boundary lines were finally decided upon in 1872 and contain twenty-four townships.  Marion County encompasses a total of 954 square miles.

The first two-story courthouse of stone was built in 1867.  The upper floor was used for county court purposes and the first story was used for a school.  A high wall making it a place of refuge and defense in the event of an Indian attack surrounded it.  It was never needed for that purpose.

An addition was completed in 1879 and part of the original structure was remodeled in 1881.  The present three-story native limestone structure was completed in 1907 and remains in full use.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Courthouse is open to the general public during the following hours. 

(Individual departments may have different hours of operation.)

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed on Saturday, Sunday and all County Holidays 

All offices are open through normal lunch hours.

 Get the latest Acrobat Reader