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

“Dog” Kelley’s Faro House

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. “Dog” Kelley’s Faro House Marker

Inscription. James H. "Dog" Kelley, who ran a saloon and gambling hall on this site, was involved in the assault upon Sheriff Peter Lanahan on July 16, 1871, at Henry "Lon" Kelly's Saloon west of here. When Lanahan's bullets nearly hit him, "Dog" was so enraged that he ran back here, fetched his rifle, and went to Emma Bowen's to shoot the dying Lanahan, firing through a closed door, he missed Lanahan but wounded a man named May. Kelley moved his building to Dodge City in early summer of 1872 and became a founder and third mayor of Dodge. The site was then occupied by the home of Sheriff Alexander Ramsey, who was killed by a horse thief on June 7, 1875. Ramsey's grief-stricken wife, Mary died a few weeks later, and both are buried in Mt. Allen Cemetery near Vine Street.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1875.

Location. 38° 52.311′ N, 99° 19.864′ 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. West 10th Street is a one-way street in this area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: West 10th Street, Hays KS 67601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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: Judge Joyce’s Court (here, next to this marker); The Pioneer Store (a few steps from this marker); Ed Goddard’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Tommy Drum's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Kate Coffey’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Waters and Murray’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); R. W. Evans’ Grocery Store (within shouting distance of this marker); James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

“Dog” Kelley’s Faro House Marker on right side of building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. “Dog” Kelley’s Faro House Marker on right side of building.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 866 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.