Ellsworth in Ellsworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Hodgden House
Historical Plaza Walking Tour Stop 2
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
1. Hodgden House Marker
Fires plagued the businesses on South Main Street throughout the early years. The last of three devastating fires occurred in November 1875 destroying this entire block. Except one building near the center of the block, the buildings were entirely constructed of wood and the flames "licked up like so much straw, rapidly threatening the destruction of the whole town." Twenty-five buildings were burned. South Main would no longer be a thriving business center. Many businesses relocated on North Douglas Avenue while others left Ellsworth for good.
Perry Hodgden, a founding merchant of Ellsworth, built his house on this location following the fire. In 1963, the Ellsworth County Historical Society established the museum in his home and on the grounds that once were witness to the wild frontier days when Ellsworth was known as "The Wickedest Cowtown In The West."
Erected by Ellsworth County Economic Development, Ellsworth-Kanapolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Ellwsorth County Historical Society, et al. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1875.
Location. 38° 43.707′ N, 98° 13.957′ W. Marker is in Ellsworth
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Powers Bank (a few steps from this marker); Historical Plaza Walking Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Ellsworth, the Cowtown and Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Mueller's Boot Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Jake New's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); North Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Drovers Cottage (about 300 feet away); The Old Reliable House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellsworth.
Also see . . . Ellsworth County in Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883. (Submitted on April 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
2. Hodgden House and Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
3. Hodgden House (detail view)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 480 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on October 13, 2015, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
