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

Kate Coffey’s Saloon

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. Kate Coffey’s Saloon Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Kate Burns and Mike Coffey ran a saloon on this site, probably as early as 1869. On the very day J.B. “Wild Bill” Hickok became Sheriff of Ellis County, August 23, 1869, Father Sebastian Favre united Kate and Mike in matrimony at Hays City. In early 1872 the Coffeys moved their saloon onto the Fort Hays-Fort Larned trail near Walnut Creek, and there on June 22, 1872, John J. Barker mortally wounded Kate with a butcher knife, for some years thereafter tales of Kate Coffey’s ghost circulated in the area.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1872.

Location. 38° 52.322′ N, 99° 19.892′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is on West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 West 10th 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. Waters and Murray’s Saloon (here, next to this marker);

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Tommy Drum's Saloon (a few steps from this marker); R. W. Evans’ Grocery Store (a few steps from this marker); Ed Goddard’s Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Walsh’s Gambling Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge Joyce’s Court (within shouting distance of this marker); The Perry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kansas Pacific Depot (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Former Kate Coffey’s Saloon location. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. Former Kate Coffey’s Saloon location.

Marker is the one on far right of building.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.