Ellsworth in Ellsworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historical Plaza Walking Tour
Welcome
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
1. Historical Plaza Walking Tour Marker
In typical frontier fashion, Ellsworth was established along the railroad grade, even before the rails were in place. Ellsworth has two main streets paralleling the track. The Plaza was a common area open to freight hauling teams and family buggies alike. Folks could meet on their way to the shops and saloons, and so the Plaza became known as a gathering place in the community. "End of the Track" Ellsworth was a wide open town. Gunfights were the order of the day. In 1868, a classic Old West duel took place here between a bull whacker and a saloon keeper. When the smoke cleared, one man was dying and the other was severely wounded.
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Look for the frontier silhouettes. An interpretive sign at each location identifies an historic location from Ellsworth's notorious past.
Erected by Ellsworth County Economic Development, Ellsworth-Kanapolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Ellwsorth County Historical Society, et al. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 38° 43.699′ N, 98° 13.94′ W. Marker is in Ellsworth, Kansas, in Ellsworth County. Marker is at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ellsworth, the Cowtown and Fort (a few steps from this marker); Hodgden House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jake New's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Powers Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Reliable House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mueller's Boot Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Beebe General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Nick Lentz Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker). 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. Historical Plaza Walking Tour Marker
Photographed By Robert Benecke, St. Louis, Mo., circa 1874
3. Photo on Historical Plaza Walking Tour Marker
No. 33, Ellsworth, the great shipping point for Texas Cattle.
Photographed By Unknown, undated
4. Map of Historical Plaza Walking Tour on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
5. Looking North Along Douglas Avenue in Ellsworth
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
6. Livery Stables (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 554 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on October 13, 2015, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
