Morris County

Morris County is an administrative region in Kansas with Council Grove as its county seat and main hub. The landscape spans about 703 square miles and combines rural countryside with small communities throughout.

The region was established as Morris County in 1859, named in honor of Thomas Morris, a U.S. Senator from Ohio. He was recognized for his opposition to slavery during his political career.

The area carries strong Native American roots through the Kaw people who made this region their home until the mid-1800s. You can sense this heritage in local landmarks and stories that visitors encounter throughout the county.

The county is connected by U.S. Route 56 and U.S. Route 77, which link Council Grove to surrounding regions. These main roads make it straightforward to travel between communities and points of interest.

In the late 1870s, Benjamin Singleton established a settlement for formerly enslaved people known as Exodusters. This migration wave became a significant chapter in how African Americans relocated to Kansas and shaped the area's development.

Location: Kansas

Inception: February 11, 1859

Capital city: Council Grove

Shares border with: Geary County, Chase County, Wabaunsee County, Lyon County, Marion County, Dickinson County

Website: http://MorrisCountyKS.org

GPS coordinates: 38.70000,-96.63330

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02