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

Tommy Drum's Saloon

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. Tommy Drum's Saloon Marker

Inscription. This was the favorite gathering place of soldiers from nearby Fort Hays, British Colonists from Victoria, such famous personages as "Wild Bill" Hickok, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Generals George A. Custer, Phil Sheridan and Nelson A. Miles. Three soldiers killed James Hayes in front of the saloon on January 6, 1869, and in turn were hanged by a lynch mob on the railroad trestle west of town. Bill McClellan shot and killed John F. "Jack" Wright, one-time state representative, in the saloon on August 20, 1872.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1869.

Location. 38° 52.32′ N, 99° 19.886′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. It 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: 115 West 10th 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: Kate Coffey’s Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Ed Goddard’s Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Waters and Murray’s Saloon (a few steps from this marker); R. W. Evans’ Grocery Store

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(a few steps from this marker); Judge Joyce’s Court (within shouting distance of this marker); Walsh’s Gambling Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); “Dog” Kelley’s Faro 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 Tommy Drum's Saloon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. Former Tommy Drum's Saloon

"Wild Bill" Hickok, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Gen.'s George A. Custer, Phil Sheridan and Nelson A. Miles image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division

3. "Wild Bill" Hickok, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Gen.'s George A. Custer, Phil Sheridan and Nelson A. Miles

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 6,916 times since then and 120 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.