Johnny Kaw

Johnny Kaw is a 24-foot concrete sculpture in Manhattan City Park depicting a man holding a scythe. The monument rests on a steel framework and stands as an agricultural hero in the center of the park.

The character was created in 1955 by a Kansas State University professor to draw attention to Manhattan's centennial celebration. Eleven years later the concrete statue was built and has remained a local landmark since then.

Johnny Kaw embodies the legendary settler that local folklore connects to shaping the Kansas landscape through superhuman effort. This figure reflects how residents pass down their pioneering past through stories of remarkable determination and strength.

The monument stands in the center of the park and is easy to find and visible from the street. Open space around the statue provides good views and room for visitors who want to take photos or rest nearby.

The community funded the entire project through donations without city support. This grassroots effort shows how much residents valued their local history and the legendary character.

Location: Kansas

GPS coordinates: 39.18020,-96.57360

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54