Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Commanding Officer's House
This single-family residence, built in 1867, was at the center of officers' row. It contained a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and two bedrooms downstairs, and upstairs four bedrooms, a servant's room, and lumber room (storage room). The house remained at Fort Hays until the 1920s. It served as a residence for the principal of the normal school and was later used by the Fort Hays Branch Experiment Station.
Of the 10 houses on officers' row, two officers' quarters and seven foundations remain. In 1902 three of the houses were auctioned off and moved into Hays for use as private residences. Two of these have been relocated on their original foundations. The other one was torn down.
Erected by Kansas Historicall Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 38° 51.78′ N, 99° 20.637′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is on the grounds of Fort Hays State Historic Site, off US Hwy 163 Alternate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1472 US Highway 163 Alternate, Hays KS 67601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elizabeth Bacon Custer (within shouting distance of this marker); Parade Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers' Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Enlisted Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Outhouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays - Fort Dodge Road Trailhead (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Fort Hays at Kansapedia. (Submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,193 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.