Sentinel Hill Marker

HMdb.org

THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE “Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”

Home — My Markers — Add A Marker — Marker Series — Links & Books — Forum — About Us

Word or Phrase

Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print

Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sentinel Hill

By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012

1. Sentinel Hill Marker

Inscription.

The hill approximately two miles south of the guardhouse was known as Sentinel Hill. As part of the Fort Hays military reservation, a sentry (guard) posted at this location could have seen several miles in all directions.

The legend of Elizabeth Polly, also known as "the blue light lady," is closely linked to Sentinel Hill. When a cholera epidemic hit in 1867, hospital steward Ephraim Polly was assistant to the fort doctor. His wife, Elizabeth, comforted patients in the hospital. When she became sick with cholera, she asked to be buried on top of the hill, but it was too rocky to dig a grave. Elizabeth is buried on the side of the hill. Sightings of her ghost were reported in 1897 and have continued to this day.

Erected by Kansas Historical Society.

Location. 38° 51.729′ N, 99° 20.638′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Click for map. Marker is on the grounds of Fort Hays State Historic Site, off US Hwy 163 Alternate. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1472 US Highway 163 Alternate, Hays KS 67601, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Officers in Tents (here, next to this marker); Fort Hays Military Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Guardhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Well House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays - Fort Dodge Road Trailhead (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers' Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Enlisted Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Parade Ground (about 300 feet away, in a direct line). Click for a list of all markers in Hays.

By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012

2. Sentinel Hill Marker

Looking northwest

Also see . . .
1. The Ghost of Elizabeth Polly. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)
2. Fort Hays State Historical Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)

By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012

3. Sentinel Hill Marker

Second marker from right foreground

Credits. This page originally submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. This page has been viewed 63 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.