Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Union Pacific House

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. Union Pacific House Marker

Inscription. This second largest house built in 1867 was run by George Boggs and Thomas Ranahan, who sold the hotel in 1868 to Bob Wright, post trader at Fort Dodge. Later that year, Ranahan was one of only 20 Hays citizens who signed up with the famous Forsyth Scouts.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 38° 52.302′ N, 99° 19.957′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. It is at the intersection of West 9th Street and Fort Street, on the right when traveling east on West 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 132 West 9th Street, Hays KS 67601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Kansas’ Smoky Hills.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Fe Mail Company Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheriff Bardsley's Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Kansas Pacific Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Cy Goddard’s Dance Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); White's Barber Shop (within shouting distance of this marker);

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The Perry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jim Curry’s Restaurant (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walsh’s Gambling Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Regarding Union Pacific House. The Forsyth Scouts were organized at Fort Harker (near Ellsworth, Kansas) and Fort Hays (near the location of this marker) in August 1868 to help counter Arapahoe, Cheyenne and Sioux raids on the Kansas Pacific railroad, raids on the Solomon and Smokey Hill stage and wagon routes to Denver and raids on settlers in Western Kansas and Southwestern Nebraska.

Former Union Pacific House (Now tour sales office) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. Former Union Pacific House (Now tour sales office)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 711 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.