Ellsworth in Ellsworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Drovers Cottage
Historical Plaza Walking Tour Stop 5
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
1. Drovers Cottage Marker
The Drovers Cottage was originally built in Abilene by Joseph McCoy. Jim and Louisa Gore ran a friendly house and the Texans felt very much at home among their fellow cattlemen at the Cottage. In 1872, two-thirds of the original hotel was moved to Ellsworth. The facility was tripled in size and a large livery was built to enhance the convenience to the incoming Cowboys. The three-story structure was equipped with 84 rooms and a dining room that seated 100. Late in February of 1873 before Fort Harker was abandoned, the boys of the Sixth Cavalry put on a play at the Cottage. The hall was crowded and everyone was pleased with the show. From the Drovers Cottage a cattleman could, at once, witness the busy business district in all its glory to the east and keep an eye on the stockyards (7) just across the tracks to the west. The Gores tried to burn the Cottage for the insurance money in 1874 and again in 1875. They were asked to leave town and returned to Abilene where they managed the smaller remnant of the original Drovers Cottage.
Erected by Ellsworth County Economic Development, Ellsworth-Kanapolis
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1873.
Location. 38° 43.738′ N, 98° 14.006′ W. Marker is in Ellsworth, Kansas, in Ellsworth County. Marker is on Kansas Avenue near South Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ellsworth KS 67439, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mueller's Boot Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Powers Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Hodgden House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historical Plaza Walking Tour (about 400 feet away); Ellsworth, the Cowtown and Fort (about 400 feet away); Jake New's Saloon (about 500 feet away); North Main Street (about 500 feet away); The Old Reliable House (about 600 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 6, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Ellsworth County in Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883. Kansas Collection Books website entry (Submitted on April 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
2. Drovers Cottage Marker
Photographed By Unknown, undated
3. Drovers Cottage Photo on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,007 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
