Cities and Towns in Marshall County, Kansas

Founded in 1855, Marshall County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Marshall County was one of the original 36 counties. The city of Marysville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 117, Marshall County has a population of 9,979 and area of 903 square miles (2,339 km²).

List of all cities in Marshall County, KS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Axtell, KS 66403 785
Beattie, KS 66406 785
Blue Rapids, KS 66411 785
Bremen, KS 66412 785
Frankfort, KS 66427 785
Herkimer, KS 66508 785
Home, KS 66438 785
Lillis, KS 66427 785
Marysville, KS 66508 785
Oketo, KS 66518 785
Summerfield, KS 66541 785
Vermillion, KS 66544 785
Vliets, KS 66544 785
Waterville, KS 66548 785

Major Cities and Towns in Marshall County, Kansas

Marysville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.62 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,200
  • Zip Code: 66508
  • Latitude: 39.8419° N
  • Longitude: 96.6475° W

Location and History

Marysville, the county seat of Marshall County, is located in northeastern Kansas near the Nebraska border, along U.S. Highway 36 and U.S. Highway 77. Established in 1854 by Francis J. Marshall, the town served as a key stop on the Pony Express route and the Oregon Trail, making it a hub of westward expansion in the mid-19th century. Its location on the banks of the Big Blue River further contributed to its early growth as a transportation and trading center. Over time, Marysville has evolved into a vibrant agricultural and commercial hub, retaining much of its historical charm while supporting modern industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Marysville is part of USD 364 Marysville School District, which includes Marysville High School, Marysville Junior High, and Marysville Elementary School. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Pony Express Barn and Museum, which commemorates the town’s role in the iconic mail delivery service, and the Koester House Museum, a preserved Victorian-era home. Marysville City Park features the famous Black Squirrel Statue, celebrating the town’s population of black squirrels, a unique feature of Marysville. Big Blue River Trail and Alcove Spring Historic Park, just outside of town, offer scenic recreation and historical insight into the town’s pioneer past.


Blue Rapids

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.12 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 950
  • Zip Code: 66411
  • Latitude: 39.6822° N
  • Longitude: 96.6608° W

Location and History

Blue Rapids is located in southern Marshall County, near the confluence of the Big Blue River and the Little Blue River. Established in 1870, Blue Rapids is known for its circular city square, which is a rare feature in Kansas towns. The town was named for the rapids that once flowed in the Big Blue River, which provided waterpower for early industry. Blue Rapids played a significant role in the milling and ice industries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its riverfront location made it a key point for transportation and trade, helping to develop its agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Blue Rapids is part of the Valley Heights USD 498 School District, with students attending Valley Heights Junior/Senior High School in nearby Waterville. Blue Rapids Square is the town’s focal point, surrounded by historic buildings and local businesses. Turtle Hill Eco-Center is a local landmark offering educational programs on the environment and sustainability. The town is also home to the Blue Rapids Historical Society Museum, which documents the town’s history, including its connection to the Pony Express and the early railroad. Riverside Park provides recreational opportunities, including sports fields and picnic areas, along the scenic Blue River.


Frankfort

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.01 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 750
  • Zip Code: 66427
  • Latitude: 39.7064° N
  • Longitude: 96.4158° W

Location and History

Frankfort is located in the southeastern part of Marshall County, along Kansas Highway 9. The town was founded in 1867 and was named after Frank Schmidt, one of the town’s early settlers. Frankfort became an important railroad town, serving as a stop on the Central Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad, which helped drive the local economy and support agricultural trade. Over the years, the town has maintained its small-town charm, with a focus on farming, particularly wheat and corn production, as well as cattle ranching. Frankfort continues to serve as a quiet rural community with deep historical roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Frankfort is served by USD 380 Vermillion School District, which includes Frankfort High School and Frankfort Elementary School. Frankfort City Park is a popular local spot for outdoor activities, offering a playground, picnic areas, and a baseball field. Frankfort’s Downtown Historic District reflects the town’s rich past, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Alcove Spring, a nearby natural landmark and historic stop on the Oregon Trail, provides scenic hiking trails and a glimpse into the region’s pioneer history. Frankfort also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Frankfort Summerfest, featuring parades, tractor pulls, and community events.


Waterville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.57 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 650
  • Zip Code: 66548
  • Latitude: 39.6831° N
  • Longitude: 96.7461° W

Location and History

Waterville is located in southern Marshall County, along U.S. Highway 77, near the Big Blue River. The town was founded in 1868 and became a key railroad center in the region. Waterville’s economy historically revolved around the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad, which made the town a hub for transporting agricultural products, including wheat and livestock. While the railroad’s influence has diminished, Waterville continues to thrive as a small, close-knit community with strong ties to its agricultural past. The town’s charming downtown and historical sites make it an appealing destination for history enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Waterville is part of the Valley Heights USD 498 School District, and local students attend Valley Heights Junior/Senior High School in nearby Blue Rapids. Waterville is known for its Waterville Opera House, a beautifully restored 1903 opera house that hosts community events, theater productions, and concerts. The town is also home to the Central Branch Railroad Museum, which showcases the town’s railroad history with exhibits and restored train cars. Waterville City Park offers recreational opportunities for residents, with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Each year, the town celebrates its history with the Waterville Railroad Days festival.


Axtell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.33 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 400
  • Zip Code: 66403
  • Latitude: 39.8722° N
  • Longitude: 96.2547° W

Location and History

Axtell is located in the northeastern part of Marshall County, near the Nebraska border, along Kansas Highway 99. Founded in 1872, the town was named after Dr. Jesse Axtell, an early settler. Axtell developed as a small agricultural town, with the arrival of the railroad playing a crucial role in its growth. The town’s economy has long been based on farming, particularly wheat and corn, as well as livestock. While Axtell has remained a small community, it continues to serve as a local center for agricultural trade and services for the surrounding rural area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Axtell is part of USD 113 Prairie Hills School District, which includes Axtell Public School, serving students from kindergarten through high school. The town’s major landmarks include the Axtell City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a community pavilion. The Axtell Grain Elevator is a reminder of the town’s agricultural heritage, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, a historic building, reflects the town’s deep religious roots. Each year, Axtell hosts the Axtell Harvest Festival, which includes parades, agricultural exhibits, and community dinners, celebrating the town’s rural heritage and community spirit.


Beattie

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.27 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200
  • Zip Code: 66406
  • Latitude: 39.8547° N
  • Longitude: 96.4172° W

Location and History

Beattie is a small town located in the north-central part of Marshall County, along U.S. Highway 36. The town was founded in 1870 and named after A.R. Beattie, a local businessman and landowner. Beattie developed primarily as an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and cattle forming the backbone of its economy. The arrival of the railroad helped support Beattie’s early growth, providing a means to transport agricultural products to larger markets. Though the town has remained small, it has maintained its strong agricultural heritage and sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Beattie is part of the Marysville USD 364 School District, with students attending schools in nearby Marysville. The town’s major landmarks include Beattie City Park, which provides recreational opportunities for residents, including a playground, picnic areas, and a baseball field. Beattie is known for its Beattie Milo Festival, an annual event that celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with parades, tractor pulls, and community meals. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views of Kansas’s rolling plains, providing a picturesque rural setting.