Aside from being known as the Sunflower State, Kansas is also considered the breadbasket of the United States. This is largely due to the Mennonite farmers who introduced hard winter wheat to the people of Kansas.

Based in Newton, the Mennonite Settler statue of a farmer considering prayer was created by the artist Max Nixon back in 1942. Built out of limestone, the intention behind the statue was to honor the significance of Turkey Red wheat from Russia by the Mennonite farmers who settled in Kansas. To visit this symbolic statue, you’ll need to head to Athletic Park in Newton.

This impressive statue stands at 17-feet tall.
Wikipedia/Erinmcd
This historical statue is based in Newton, a town of about 20,000 residents located in Harvey County.
Wikipedia
Due to the historical significance of the Mennonite Settler statue, it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The statue also went through a three-year restoration project in the late 1990s.
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This historical statue is based in Athletic Park in Newton; a 40-acre park in the city.
Google/Greg Bergman
As shown here, the base of the statue reads, "Commemorating entry into Kansas from Russia of Turkey Red Hard Wheat by Mennonites 1874."
Google/A Resident
When you see this statue up close, you'll be impressed by the amount of detail the artist put into his work. This includes the farmer's facial hair and other features.
Google/A Resident

If you’d like to extend your time in Newton, hike the Osage Nature Trail before or after checking out this Mennonite Settler statue.  After visiting the Mennonite Settler statue, feel free to explore other points of interest in Kansas too. For ideas of where to go next, check out this article: 12 Of The Most Enchanting Man-Made Wonders in Kansas. 

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Mennonite Settler statue, Athletic Park Dr, Newton, KS 67114, USA