History of Marshall and Saline County
The sixty-five acres of land for the city of Marshall was donated by Jeremiah O'Dell deeded April 13, 1839. It was named for the United States Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall, when chosen as the county seat.

After the first two courthouses in Marshall were lost to fires, the Saline County Courthouse was constructed in January 1882. It was placed on the National register of Historical Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1977. The building is an enduring landmark in the center of Marshall Square and a legacy of nineteenth century architecture.

Saline County was named for its many salt deposits where westward travelers along the Santa Fe Trail stocked up before their long journeys southwest. To commemorate these travelers, Marshall holds “Santa Fe Trail Days”the first weekend in August each year on the Marshall Square. The two-day festival includes food, music, crafts sales and other activities for Saline County residents and visitors. Check the "Visitors" section of the web site for more information.

Jim the Wonder Dog
One of Marshall’s most cherished citizens was the remarkable Jim the Wonder Dog. Jim was a Llewellyn English Setter from a line of champion field dogs.

Jim was a champion hunting dog, but much more. He carried out instructions given to him in any foreign language, shorthand, or Morse Code. Newspaper and magazine writers came to witness Jim and were stunned. His fame spread across the United States and he was even featured on Ripley's Believe it or Not.

A statue of Jim was placed in “Jim the Wonder Dog Garden Park” off the northwest corner of Marshall Square, along with many of the stories and eyewitness accounts about Jim’s talents. You can learn more about Jim the Wonder Dog and other Saline County History by visiting the Saline County Historical Museum, 101 N. Lafayette, on the Marshall Square.

Upcoming Events & Links

January 13, 2008
Farm Toy Show
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saline County Fairgrounds

Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra
February 24- 2:30pm
Concert featuring Stever Geibel, flute
Bueker Middle School
565 South Odell Avenue
Marshall, MO

May 2008

Cinco De Mayo
May 5, 2008
Around the Square
Downtown Marshall

Shrine Parade
May 10, 2008
150 Entries -
Miami & Arrow Streets, Marshall

May Festival
May 10, 2008
Antiques, entertainment, food,
crafts and more on Main Street
Blackwater, MO

Flower Fest on the Square
May 17, 2008
Local nurseries, florists &
plantgrowers and businesses
show and sell wares on the
Square in Marshall

For more information on the above events, please click here to view our monthly calendar of events.

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