Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Hays Military Cemetery
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
1. Fort Hays Military Cemetery Marker
Often times soldiers who died while fighting were buried where they fell. Most who died at or near the post were buried at the fort's military cemetery, approximately one mile northwest of here. Nearly 25 of the 175 buried here were civilians. The first burial was a victim of cholera in 1867. That summer's epidemic claimed 23 military victims in approximately one month's time. The last burial at the post cemetery took place in 1889 after the death of the five-year-old son of an 18th U.S. Infantry soldier.
When the fort was abandoned in 1889 the army decided to relocate the military graves to Fort Leavenworth so they could be properly tended. The residents of Hays City delayed the move, afraid that disturbing the remains might trigger another cholera epidemic. The graves were finally relocated in 1905.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 38° 51.723′ N, 99° 20.641′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is on the grounds of Fort Hays State Historic Site, off US Hwy 163 Alternate. Touch for map
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sentinel Hill (a few steps from this marker); Officers in Tents (a few steps from this marker); Guardhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Outhouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Well House (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Bill Cody (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Hays - Fort Dodge Road Trailhead (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Fort Hays at Kansapedia. (Submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Unknown, undated
2. Photo on Fort Hays Military Cemetery Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
3. Fort Hays Military Cemetery Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
