Ellsworth in Ellsworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Grand Central Hotel
Historical Plaza Walking Tour Stop 9
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
1. Grand Central Hotel Marker
Arthur Larkin was one of Ellsworth's first businessmen. The Larkin House was his first establishment, but it burned in 1869 destroying the entire block. Mr. Larkin then determined to build the finest structure possible on the corner of North Main and Lincoln Ave. The Grand Central Hotel was built and furnished at a cost of $27,000. The hotel boasted the finest sidewalk in Kansas, made of a slab of magnesia limestone 12 feet wide. Following the shooting of Sheriff Whitney, Texas gambler, Ben Thompson, "held off" the Ellsworth police force and its citizens from the front of the hotel as his brother, Billy, rode out of town. The Ellsworth Reporter newspaper office was the next building to the east.
Erected by Ellsworth County Economic Development, Ellsworth-Kanapolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Ellwsorth County Historical Society, et al. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 38° 43.681′ N, 98° 13.836′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kansas Pacific Railroad Depots (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Brennan Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Nick Lentz Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Beebe General Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Reliable House (about 300 feet away); The Plaza (1873) (about 300 feet away); North Main Street (about 400 feet away); Jake New's Saloon (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellsworth.
Also see . . .
1. Ellsworth, Kansas – Another Wicked Cowtown. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on February 11, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Ellsworth County in Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883. (Submitted on April 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
2. Grand Central Hotel Marker
Photographed By Unknown, undated
3. Grand Central Hotel Photo on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
