Alexander in Rush County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
1. Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail Marker
Established in 1867, the Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail, which passed near this spot, was first used by the military and some civilian traffic in 1868. The following year Alexander Harvey, a former member of the Sixth Cavalry, built a trading post on the trail on the north bank of Walnut Creek near here, and provided a place to ford the creek.
A few years later, the town of Alexander was founded nearby, taking its name from Alexander Harvey, the original owner of the trading post.
The bulk of the military usage of the Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail was over when the Santa Fe Railroad reached Dodge City in 1872. However, it continued to be used for several more years regularly by civilian traffic - hunters, freighters, traders, and settlers. (Marker Number 113.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 38° 27.967′ N, 99° 33.489′ W. Marker is in Alexander, Kansas, in Rush County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 96 and Whippet Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 96.
The marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wellmanville (approx. 9.4 miles away); Site of Entre Nous College (approx. 12.3 miles away).
More about this marker.
The marker light paint on dark wood and large, about 4 feet square. It is in good condition.
Also see . . . Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail. Legends of America website entry:
Established in 1867, the Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail was utilized to transfer supplies from the railhead at Fort Hays to Fort Dodge, some 75 miles distant, as well as being an access point for emigrants and traders to the Santa Fe Trail. When the railhead from Fort Harker was moved to Hays, the U.S. Postal Department ordered Barlow, Barlow & Sanderson Company to initiate mail deliveries from Hays to Santa Fe, New Mexico, effective November 1, 1867. (Submitted on October 12, 2015, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
2. Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail Marker (wide view)
This view shows the highway rest top building in the background.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
3. Kansas State Highway 96
Prairie view along Kansas State Highway 96 near the marker.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
4. Alexander, Kansas Post Office
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
5. Unidentified Building, Alexander, Kansas
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 9, 2015
6. Old Alexander State Bank Building, Alexander, Kansas
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2015, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 567 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 12, 2015, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
