Abilene in Dickinson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historic Abilene
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
1. Historical Abilene Marker
At the end of the Civil War when millions of longhorns were left on the plains of Texas without a market, the Union Pacific was building west across Kansas. Joseph McCoy, an Illinois stockman, believed these cattle could be herded north for shipment by rail. He built yards at Abilene and sent agents to notify the Texas cattlemen. In 1867 the first drives were made up the Chisholm trail and during the next five years more than a million head were received. Abilene became the first of the wild cattle towns where gambling places, saloons, and dance halls competed for the cowboys' wages. Gun fights were frequent and several peace officers resigned. The first to bring order was Tom Smith. More famous was "Wild Bill" Hickok who became known as the deadliest two gun marshal on the Western frontier."
President Dwight D. Eisenhower lived in Abilene from 1891 to 1911. The Eisenhower home and museum are open to the public.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars
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Location. 38° 54.645′ N, 97° 12.729′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Kansas, in Dickinson County. Marker is adjacent to the south side of the 1887 Rock Island Railroad depot, at Old Abilene Town, near Buckeye Avenue (Kansas Route 15) and S.E. 6th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Abilene KS 67410, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rock Island Depot (a few steps from this marker); T.C. Henry Carriage House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dwight David Eisenhower (about 700 feet away); Eisenhower Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Honor Roll of Dickinson County Servicemen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abilene Parker Carousel (approx. 0.2 miles away); D. G. Smith Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Chisholm Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
Also see . . . Abilene, Kansas. (Submitted on June 29, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 30, 2011
2. Historical Abilene Marker
Abilene's 1887 Rock Island Railroad depot in background
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 961 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
