C.G. Parker started his little town in 1870 and challenged Council Grove for the location of the county seat. He even set aside a town square as the site for the future courthouse. But in an 1871 vote, Council Grove won the honor. The space once reserved for the courthouse is now a large town park between Grape and Olive. There you will find a footbridge, gazebo, playground, and a large sign that tells the Parkerville story.