Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
United States Land Office
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
1. United States Land Office Marker
Built as a dry goods store by Hill P. Wilson in 1874, this stone building was the home of the Government Land Office from 1875 till 1877, and possibly as late as 1879, when the office was moved to WaKeeney. Thousands of pioneers filed homestead and timber claims at the U.S. Land Office of Hays City between 1874 and 1879. In 1896 this building became the hardware store of George Philip who had come to Ellis County from Scotland in 1873 as a member of George Grant's Victoria Colony.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 38° 52.234′ N, 99° 19.898′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is at the intersection of 8th Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling west on 8th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 719 Main 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. Otero & Sellar's Warehouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away); Santa Fe Mail Company Depot (about 400 feet away); James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok (about 400 feet away); The Pioneer Store (about 500 feet away); “Dog” Kelley’s Faro House
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Philip Hardware Store National Register Nomination. Kansas Historical Society website entry (Submitted on September 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Ellis County, Kansas. Kansaspedia website entry (Submitted on September 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. City of Hays, Kansas. Town website homepage (Submitted on September 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
2. United States Land Office and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
3. United States Land Office
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
4. Marker on United States Land Office
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 668 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
