Ellsworth in Ellsworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Kansas Pacific Railroad Depots
Historical Plaza Walking Tour Stop 14
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
1. Kansas Pacific Railroad Depots Marker
The Depots, just north of this sign were the natural gathering place for frontier towns. The area bustled with actiivity as dray (delivery) operators came and went with freight for local business. Of course, information from "back East" arrived first at the depots, making it a favorite center of news and gossip. The open area of the Plaza also lent itself to confrontation - as the warning of an impending fight was advanced, innocent parties could take cover. In the famous shooting of Sheriff Whitney, Ben Thompson claimed that he and Billy went to the Depots for just that reeason. A few shots were fired between the Thompsons at the Depots and Happy Jack Morco who had stationed himself inside one of the South Main Street shops. Sheriff Whitney and City Deputy John Delong approached the Thompsons from North Main Street and guaranteed their safety. Whitney asked them to "take a drink" with him and they returned to Joe Brennan's Saloon (12). Sheriff Whitney was the only disarmed man involved as it was Sunday and he was in route to a picnic when the disturbance erupted.
Erected by Ellsworth County Economic
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2011
2. Kansas Pacific Railroad Depots Marker
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 38° 43.687′ N, 98° 13.882′ W. Marker is in Ellsworth, Kansas, in Ellsworth County. Marker is on South Main Street near Lincoln Avenue, on the left when traveling east. 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. Nick Lentz Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Beebe General Store (a few steps from this marker); Joe Brennan Saloon (a few steps from this marker); The Old Reliable House (a few steps from this marker); Jake New's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Central Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); North Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Ellsworth, the Cowtown and Fort (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellsworth.
Also see . . .
1. History of the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Railroads in Kansas website entry (Submitted on April 7, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. On the Kansas Pacific Railway, 1873
Photographed By Unknown, undated
3. Photo of Kansas Pacific Railroad Depot on Marker
3. Ellsworth County in Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883. Kansas Collection Books website entry (Submitted on April 7, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Additional commentary.
1. Depots
The two pictures of the depots in Ellsworth were not at the place the marker says. The depot picture on the right was the only one at the site where the Cutout is. The depot picture on the left was a block and a half to the east. I am the one that posed for the Cutout holding the lantern. These are not State Historical Markers by any means.
— Submitted July 30, 2015, by Marvin Bush of Ellsworth, Kansas.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 591 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 7, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
