St. Marys is a community with a wonderfully interesting history and an incredibly rich mix of manufacturing industries and expertise for a community of its size. It is also a center for agricultural support and the location of a major private school and Academy as well as its own public school system. Located about 30 miles from Manhattan and only 20 miles from Topeka, along US Highway 24, St. Marys is also only 10 miles north of Interstate 70.


St. Marys was founded in 1847 as St. Marys Mission and headquarters of the Pottawatomie Reservation of the time. A major last stop on the Independence branch of the Oregon-California Trail for over a decade, St. Marys provided a welcome respite for already weary travelers facing a trip of 2000+ miles West. Both the Smoky Hill Trail and the Military Trail from Ft Leavenworth to Ft Riley also passed through St. Marys.

This historic crossroads community was the 3rd fastest growing area in Pottawatomie County during the past decade for both commercial and residential development. Available property, strategic location between Wamego and Topeka, low tax rates and an entrepreneurial workforce and business community have been the reasons for this vibrant growth.

Visitors interested in the history of the true Old West, families seeking a safe and comfortable place to live and people looking for new business opportunities or a chance to join an advanced manufacturing community in a small town - will find St. Marys an intriguing destination and a community filled with opportunity.