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

The Perry House

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

1. The Perry House Marker

Inscription. The first hotel in Hays City was moved here by J.D. Perry in 1867 from Rome, the little town W.F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and others tried to start a mile to the west. Cody and his wife resided at the Hays Perry for a time, and Tom Custer's name appears on the only extant page from the hotel's register. "Kit" Carson, the great scout, probably stayed here, since he was Cody's guest in Hays City for a few days, shortly before his death in 1868. Reportedly J.B. "Wild Bill" Hickok also made the two-story hotel his home, while he served as Ellis County Sheriff in 1869. By then the hotel, renamed the Commercial House was run by Fergus Keeler.

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 year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 38° 52.332′ N, 99° 19.918′ 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 running west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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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: Cy Goddard’s Dance Hall (a few steps from this marker); Walsh’s Gambling Hall (a few steps from this marker); White's Barber Shop (a few steps from this marker); Kansas Pacific Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); R. W. Evans’ Grocery Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Waters and Murray’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Kate Coffey’s Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Jim Curry’s Restaurant (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Also see . . . Perry House of Ellis County - Historical Documentary Video. (Submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Former location of the Perry House Hotel. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 1, 2016

2. Former location of the Perry House Hotel.

Marker is the one on the far right. Building location is now occupied by AT&T.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 861 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.