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

Santa Fe Mail Company Depot

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. Santa Fe Mail Company Depot Marker

Inscription. When the Union Pacific Railway, Eastern Division reached Hays City in October, 1867, this site became the temporary starting point of the Santa Fe Trail until mid-1868. The Five-Mule Concord Coaches of the Santa Fe Mail Company left here daily on the 4½ day run to Santa Fe. During these months, Hays City was also the eastern terminus for the coaches of the United States Express Co. going to and from Denver. In 1871 M.J.R. Treat moved the old Perry House to this site from across the railroad tracks and renamed it the Gibson House. The building was destroyed by fire on January 12, 1877. During the blaze, Mrs. Louie Lord, a well-known actress of the day, and her troupe had to leave the building by ladders.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Railroads & Streetcars • Women. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 12, 1877.

Location. 38° 52.291′ N, 99° 19.93′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is on West 9th Street east of Fort Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 124 West 9th Street, 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. Union Pacific House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kansas Pacific Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); R. W. Evans’ Grocery Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Perry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Waters and Murray’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Walsh’s Gambling Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Kate Coffey’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Tommy Drum's Saloon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Wide view of marker in front of current Regal Audio-Video store. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. Wide view of marker in front of current Regal Audio-Video store.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 351 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.