Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Outhouses
Photographed By James Hulse, June 8, 2022
1. Outhouses Marker
Inscription.
Outhouses. . These reproduction outhouses are non-functioning and are based on a design from Fort Laramie, a contemporary of Fort Hays, since no clear, unmistakable images exist of the Fort Hays outhouses. These facilities were for the use of officers and so had to fit their position. They had to be nicer than the common enlisted man's facilities that were not much more than shacks over a hole in the ground. Officers' outhouses were lathed and plastered on the inside and, just like the homes they sat behind, were often painted and wallpapered. Officially termed "pit toilets" today, they were known to the inhabitants of the fort as "sinks."
These reproduction outhouses are non-functioning and are based on a design from Fort Laramie, a contemporary of Fort Hays, since no clear, unmistakable images exist of the Fort Hays outhouses. These facilities were for the use of officers and so had to fit their position. They had to be nicer than the common enlisted man's facilities that were not much more than shacks over a hole in the ground. Officers' outhouses were lathed and plastered on the inside and, just like the homes they sat behind, were often painted and wallpapered. Officially termed "pit toilets" today, they were known to the inhabitants of the fort as "sinks."
Location. 38° 51.743′ N, 99° 20.626′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker can be reached from Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road. The marker is located on the grounds of the Fort Hays State Historical Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1472 US Highway 183 Alt, 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. Garden (a few steps from this marker); Officers in Tents (within shouting distance of
The marker is on the left side of the front door to the first outhouse
Photographed By James Hulse, June 8, 2022
3. The backside of the Outhouses
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
