About Moran
Our Southeast corner of Kansas heaven provides idyllic small town life, while being close to modern city conveniences. Located at the junction of US HWY 54 and US HWY 59, Moran is nestled in Allen County.
The town offers several conveniences, such as the public library, scenic park, public school district, fitness center, and local businesses (restaurant, fuel station, child care, personal care, insurance, meat locker, etc).
Situated amongst fields and stars, our community welcomes you!
Notable People
Debra Dene Barnes is an American music educator and former beauty pageant participant who was crowned Miss America 1968.
Debra was raised in Moran, Kansas. Upon graduation from high school, she attended college in Pittsburg, Kansas (now Pittsburg State University), where she majored in music.
After winning the Miss Kansas pageant, she competed in the Miss America pageant. A talented pianist, she played as her talent entry.
Barnes has over 35 years of piano teaching experience, winning the Wadill Chamber Music Competition held at Pittsburg State University in March 2007. She also performed Chopin's Concerto No. 2 in F Minor with the Southeast Kansas Symphony in April 2008.
Kelly Welch 1987
The Rhodes Scholarship provides full funding to support two years of study at Oxford University in England.
Moran’s first Newspaper, running from 1883-1955.
The Moran Herald
June 16, 1893
August 8, 1919
May 6, 1927
History
The summer of 1881 in Allen County, Kansas saw the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company build the long awaited railroad through the area. Zealous citizens of the Marmaton Township were ready for improvement! The MKT Depot was located in the middle of the township.
In October of 1881 an application for a post office was made with the name Morantown. The name was officially changed to Moran Post office in May of 1889. The new town of Moran saw an influx of business as a lumber yard, restaurant, merchandise and grocery store all opened.
Along with thriving businesses, the first school began in a private location. Later in 1882, a one room school house was built at the corners of Randolf Street and Locust Street.
Early church services were held in the depot and later at the school building. The first recorded church building was erected in 1883 by the Presbyterian Church. Following suite the Methodist Church, Christian Church, Baptist Church, and even a German Reformed church were all organized in the community.
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Depot
Moran, Kansas - September 1, 1956
The one-story building with batten siding was part of Northern Division, KS. City Sub. Division at milepost 94.7. The depot no longer stands.