Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Post Trader's Store
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
1. Post Trader's Store Marker
Each post had its trader or sutler that sold general merchandise to soldiers. The trader was the only civilian allowed to operate a business for profit on a military fort. The trader's store at Fort Hays was located 50 feet behind this sign.
The building included living quarters for the trader, separate rooms for the officers and enlisted men where they could buy alcohol and play cards or billiards, and even a one-lane bowling alley. Soldiers could purchase all matter of items in the store such as combs, tooth powder, hats, blankets, and canned food items. The trader's store was, in effect, the forerunner of the post exchange (PX), officer's club, and non-commissioned officer's club of the modern army post. It was said that Fort Hays had one of the finest post trader's stores in the West.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Wars, US Indian.
Location. 38° 51.694′ N, 99° 20.539′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker can be reached from Alternate U.S. 163. 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. Band Barracks (here, next to this marker); Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); Laundress' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Icehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Surgeon's Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Bake House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 25, 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. Post Trader's Store Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
3. Post Trader's Store Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 621 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
