On 9th Street near Washington Street, on the left when traveling west.
Officially organized and founded as a city in 1870, the first street laid out and used was known as Edwards Street (now west 9th). The heart of Ellis' business district started and grew here offering such services as hotels, saloons, general . . . — — Map (db m59173) HM
On 10th Street (Old U.S. 40) near Washington Street, on the left when traveling west.
The Walter P. Chrysler Home was built in 1889 by Walter's father Henry, his brother Ed, and Walter himself. Walter lived in the home from 1889 to 1897. During this period, the Kansas Pacific Railway employed Walter as an engine wiper and later as a . . . — — Map (db m59064) HM
On Washington Street near the railroad grade crossing, on the right when traveling north.
Though little is known of John's life prior to his arrival in Ellis during the 1870's, it is known that he worked as an Army muleskinner and also spent some time working on the Mississippi. In Ellis, John supported himself working as a stonemason . . . — — Map (db m59175) HM
On 9th Street near Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling west.
In memory of the settlers from Bukovina, Austria who stepped off the train at this location. Beginning in 1886 the German speaking immigrants brought a strong Christian faith and work ethic to build a future for their families in the New World. . . . — — Map (db m59174) HM
On 9th Street near Washington Street, on the left when traveling west.
Built in 1872 of native limestone from a quarry 2 miles east of Ellis, The Ellis House was the scene of colorful functions and dances drawing people from a radius of up to 100 miles. Centrally located halfway between Kansas City and Denver, it . . . — — Map (db m76615) HM
On Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north.
Following the end of the American Civil War veterans from both the Union and Confederate forces formed the veterans organization the G.A.R. or the Grand Army of the Republic. On 28 March 1883, the George Ellis Post 171 was established in Ellis, and . . . — — Map (db m59204) HM
On 9th Street at Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on 9th Street.
Owned by Patrick Hickey, the first Hickey Building was a collection of wooden structures that served as the M.M. Fuller law office, the printshop for the Ellis Headlight newspaper, Ramsey's Barber Shop and the A.J. Cromb Candy & Notions store. . . . — — Map (db m59176) HM
On Washington Street at 9th Street, on the right when traveling south on Washington Street.
World War I
Albert D. Baughman · Bernard Coleman · William Leach · Alex Pfannenstiel · Aaron A. Platner
World War II
Joseph A. Augustine · Ralph Bemis Jr. · John L. Herbert · Harold E. Hurt · Orville H. Kingsley · Richard A. . . . — — Map (db m59169) WM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 . . . — — Map (db m96512) HM
The foundation before you marks the stone bake house, where all the fort's bread was baked. The inner rectangular foundation at the east (right) end marks the oven, while the foundation of the pantry is in the west (left) end. The original wooden . . . — — Map (db m59749) HM
A regimental band was located where there were regimental headquarters. The 18th U.S. Infantry band is pictured here. The band's quarters, located between the blockhouse and post trader's store, consisted of two buildings. One was the barracks and . . . — — Map (db m59787) HM
This hexagonal building, made of native limestone quarried three miles west of here, was the first building constructed at Fort Hays. The blockhouse was intended as a barracks for soldiers. When it was finished wooden barracks had been built, so it . . . — — Map (db m59767) HM
Near Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road.
At the age of 17 Cody enlisted as a teamster with the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. He gained a reputation as a buffalo hunter, supplying meat for railroad workers. As chief of scouts for the army, he took part in battles and delivered important . . . — — Map (db m200817) HM
The Fort Hays chapel, acquired in 1872, stood directly behind this sign. The officers' wives wanted a dance hall, but army regulations prohibited the use of military labor and resources to build one. But there was no such regulations regarding . . . — — Map (db m59789) HM
On Main Street north of 12th Street, on the left when traveling north.
Co-founder, with William Rose, in 1867, of the town of Rome, predecessor of Hays.
The townsite of Rome is one mile west of this point (West 12th St., extended), north of the R.R. track and along the west bank of Big Creek. A permanent marker is . . . — — Map (db m95621) HM
This single-family residence, built in 1867, was at the center of officers' row. It contained a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and two bedrooms downstairs, and upstairs four bedrooms, a servant's room, and lumber room (storage room). The house . . . — — Map (db m59720) HM
The commissary warehouse, which stored the fort’s food supply, was located behind this sign. The commissary officer was responsible for food storage and preventing loss from theft and spoilage. Bars on the windows kept out enlisted men trying to . . . — — Map (db m59714) HM
On West 10th Street, 0.1 miles west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Cy Goddard’s Saloon and Dance Hall is one of several places reported to have been the spot where General Custer's brother Tom and some troopers of the Seventh Cavalry tangled with "Wild Bill" Hickok on July 17, 1870. After wounding two soldiers, one . . . — — Map (db m96404) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Goddard brothers - Cyrus F., George W. & Edwin F. - who had run the city restaurant in Leavenworth before coming to Hays City, opened a provisioning store for freighters, plainsmen, railroaders and others on this site under the curious name of . . . — — Map (db m96509) HM
Near Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road.
Accompanying her husband, George Armstrong Custer, on all of his military campaigns, Libby Custer saw a view of military life seldom observed by women. When the U.S. Seventh Cavalry was headquartered at Fort Riley, they camped at Fort Hays in May . . . — — Map (db m200815) HM
Four enlisted barracks were hastily assembled during the winter of 1867-1868. They faced the parade ground on three sides. Each barrack held a company of 60 to 100 men and consisted of two squad rooms, a room for the first sergeant, and a small . . . — — Map (db m59715) HM
On 7th Street at Main Street, on the left when traveling west on 7th Street.
Hays City's first years were marked with bloodshed, lawlessness, and feuds. Eight Presbyterians sought to form a church that would help create law, order, and decency in the community. Under the leadership of a dauntless woman, "Grandma" Annie . . . — — Map (db m59795) HM
As settlement increased in the West during the 1850s and 1860s, the U.S. Army built and maintained a series of frontier forts, usually on major transportation routes. Trail traffic and railroad expansion came into conflict with native people who . . . — — Map (db m59794) HM
On Bypass U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Golf Course Road, on the left when traveling south.
This noted U.S. Army post was established in 1865 as a headquarters for troops given the task of protecting military roads, guarding the mails and defending construction crews on the Union Pacific Railway. Fort Hays also served as a major supply . . . — — Map (db m59207) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m59724) HM
Near Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road.
Hays City had a reputation as a rough and rowdy place, which was sometimes exaggerated. When a special correspondent from a distant newspaper, the Kansas City Times, criticized Fort Hays soldiers for their behavior, local community leaders defended . . . — — Map (db m200820) HM
"The people who know war, those who have experienced it...I believe are the most earnest advocates of peace in the world."
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
This memorial is dedicated to those of the Fort Hays State University family who have . . . — — Map (db m59810) HM WM
Near Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road.
Rations at U.S. military posts during the Indian Wars were notoriously bad and seldom contained fresh vegetables. Gardens added greatly to the nutrition and morale of the men. Fort Hays records indicate that gardens were planted throughout the . . . — — Map (db m200811) HM
On Fort Street at West 12th Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street.
The Armes Dance Hall, originally named the Globe Theater, was built on this site in 1867 by Major George Armes with money raised by his younger brother in Leavenworth, ostensibly to erect an Episcopal church. Later the building was moved to Fort . . . — — Map (db m96491) HM
The native limestone guardhouse replaced an earlier wooden structure in 1872. It included a room for the non-commissioned officer of the guard, the guardroom, and the military prison, which included three solitary cells.
Most prisoners were . . . — — Map (db m59747) HM
On North Campus Drive (Old Highway 40) 0.4 miles west of Elm Street. Reported missing.
Beneath the wooden trestle which
originally stood on the site of the
railroad bridge north of here, lynch
mobs hanged at least four persons in
the wild days. In the wee hours of
January 7, 1869, Luke Barnes, Lee Watkins
and James Sponder, . . . — — Map (db m96385) HM
The icehouse was built 300 yards behind this sign during the winter of 1870-1871. It was built into a hillside, which offered much insulation. The icehouse could store 1,000 tons of ice harvested and hauled from Big Creek. Soldiers occasionally . . . — — Map (db m59788) HM
On Main Street at 10th Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.
When Ellis County's elected officials failed in mid-1869 to maintain law and order, the "Better Class of Citizens" hired well-known gunfighter James Butler Hickok to act as "Sheriff". Sam Strawhun and Bill Mulvey resisted Hickok and were soon . . . — — Map (db m95604) HM
On Fort Street at West 10th Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street.
On December 28, 1867, Charles DeCropper shot and killed Cornelius Doyle in the corner doorway of Henry P. Fields Star Restaurant, which stood on this site. Fields later sold the lot to Miss Ida May, who turned it over to Jim Curry. Alleged slayer of . . . — — Map (db m96517) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Marcellus E. Joyce, Union spy during the Civil War and well-known journalist of this day, presided from 1867 to 1868 as justice of the peace for most of the western Kansas. “Chief Justice” Joyce legends unanimously suggest that he . . . — — Map (db m96510) HM
On West 9th Street west of Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
The first depot on this site was completed in November 1867. Here on September 18, 1869, Deputy U.S. Marshal John Bridges arrested Bob Connors, an accused murderer, who was fleeing on an east-bound train. Bridges jailed him at Fort Hays because of . . . — — Map (db m96497) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Kate Burns and Mike Coffey ran a saloon on this site, probably as early as 1869. On the very day J.B. “Wild Bill” Hickok became Sheriff of Ellis County, August 23, 1869, Father Sebastian Favre united Kate and Mike in matrimony at Hays . . . — — Map (db m96505) HM
The four wooden frame buildings that comprised "Sudsville" or "Laundress Row," were located approximately 100 yards behind and to the left of this sign. Each building housed four laundresses and their families in two 12' by 12' rooms. Laundresses . . . — — Map (db m59752) HM
On Canterbury Drive at 13th Street, on the left when traveling north on Canterbury Drive.
This 40&8 boxcar is one of forty-nine cars that comprised the Merci or Gratitude Train, a gift to the American People from the Citizens of France. The 40&8 boxcars, so named because of their capacity to hold either 40 men or 8 horses, transported . . . — — Map (db m95638) HM
On Bypass U.S. 183, on the right when traveling south.
Herds of 60 million buffalo once roamed the prairie until reduced to 300 and near extinction. They were the basis of Indian economy; food for the emigrant, railroad worker and soldier. — — Map (db m59713) HM
Sometimes officers shared quarters on officers' row, three or four men to a house. Housing was assigned by rank and seniority within that rank. If a higher-ranking officer was transferred to the fort, he could bump a lower ranking officer out of . . . — — Map (db m59722) HM
A series of 10 houses on the south side of the parade grounds was built between 1867 and 1870. Starting to the left of this house and moving right were the chaplain’s quarters, three partial duplexes for officers’ quarters, the commanding . . . — — Map (db m59717) HM
On Main Street at 9th Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street.
Originally this was the site of the warehouse of a large shipping firm which ran bull trains to Mexico during the days when Hays City was "the end of the line." The owner, Miguel Antonio Otero, had acted as Territorial Governor of New Mexico in . . . — — Map (db m59797) HM
Near Alternate U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of Park Road.
These reproduction outhouses are non-functioning and are based on a design from Fort Laramie, a contemporary of Fort Hays, since no clear, unmistakable images exist of the Fort Hays outhouses. These facilities were for the use of officers and so had . . . — — Map (db m200816) HM
The field before you is the parade ground. Approximately the size of two football fields, the parade ground was bordered on four sides by roads whose ditches are still visible.
The parade ground was a hub of activity at the post. Soldiers . . . — — Map (db m59718) HM
The post hospital was prefabricated in St. Louis, shipped to Fort Hays by rail, and erected in November 1867. Initially a 36-bed hospital, it was enlarged in 1870 to accommodate 44 beds. A picket fence later enclosed the hospital complex, including . . . — — Map (db m59793) HM
Records are unclear as to the exact date of construction of the surgeon's quarters. It was a one-story, four-room, frame residence. Prior to its construction the surgeon was housed on officers' row. As part of his medical duties, the surgeon kept . . . — — Map (db m59790) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m59768) HM
The massive quartermaster's complex was located 100 yards behind the sign. The complex included offices, noncommissioned staff quarters, warehouses, shops, and wagon shed. The quartermaster was in charge of all equipment, supplies, transportation, . . . — — Map (db m59792) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
One of Hays City’s earliest post offices was in Evans’ grocery store. Here on June 23,1869, clerk A. B. Webster, afterwards mayor and marshal of Dodge City, shot and killed Joseph N. Weiss. Joe was proprietor of the local Omaha Saloon, a former . . . — — Map (db m96501) HM
On Main Street at 13th Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street.
With the faith and courage of
their forefathers who made
possible the freedom of these
United States
The Boy Scouts of America
dedicate this replica of the
Statue of Liberty as a pledge
of everlasting fidelity and
loyalty . . . — — Map (db m95332) HM
On West 9th Street east of Fort Street, on the right when traveling south.
When the Union Pacific Railway, Eastern Division reached Hays City in October, 1867, this site became the temporary starting point of the Santa Fe Trail until mid-1868. The Five-Mule Concord Coaches of the Santa Fe Mail Company left here daily on . . . — — Map (db m96493) HM
The hill approximately two miles south of the guardhouse was known as Sentinel Hill. As part of the Fort Hays military reservation, a sentry (guard) posted at this location could have seen several miles in all directions.
The legend of . . . — — Map (db m59723) HM
On Fort Street at 8th Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street.
George Bardsley resided on this site from 1869 to 1879. An early-day saloonkeeper, restauranteur and County Commissioner, Bardsley was elected Ellis County Sheriff in 1875 in a bitter contest with Jack Bridges. Bardsley captured Isaac “Big Ike” . . . — — Map (db m204749) HM
On 13th Street at Ash Street, on the right when traveling west on 13th Street.
Constructed by local parishioners, most of them German immigrants from the Volga region of Russia
St. Joseph Parish began in 1876
Two earlier parish churches stood on this property
St. Joseph is the oldest church in continuous use in Hays
St. . . . — — Map (db m95640) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 . . . — — Map (db m96518) HM
On West 10th Street at Main Street, on the right when traveling west on West 10th Street.
County Commissioner Dennis Ryan and County Treasurer Mike Caplice ran the Pioneer Store, a general outfitting firm on this corner from 1867 to 1870. Their wagon driver, Allmeyer, was gravely wounded by a man named Cole on October 8, 1869. After a . . . — — Map (db m96513) HM
On West 10th Street west of Fort Street, on the right when traveling west.
More than a dozen brothels lined this and Fort Streets during Hays City’s untamed years, 1867-1874. On this site stood a house owned at various times by the notorious Jim Curry, by his girl friend, Miss Ida May, and A.J. Peacock, who later fought . . . — — Map (db m96395) HM
On Fort Street at West 13th Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street.
The Justus Bissing, Frederick Karlin, and
Frederick Koerner families stayed on this
site from March 1 till April 8 of 1876, while
they were building their sod dugouts in
nearby Katherinenstadt (Catherine). These
people were the first of . . . — — Map (db m96490) HM
In commemoration of Hays Centennial - 1967
Plastic capsule buried May, 1967 - to be exhumed 2067
Buried 10' 0" below this marker.
The Time Capsule is to provide historical reference on the progress of Kansas family farmers working with the . . . — — Map (db m59719) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
This was the favorite gathering place of soldiers from nearby Fort Hays, British Colonists from Victoria, such famous personages as "Wild Bill" Hickok, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Generals George A. Custer, Phil Sheridan and Nelson A. Miles. Three . . . — — Map (db m96506) HM
On Fort Street at West 11th Street, on the left when traveling south on Fort Street.
Hays City and Ellis County cooperated in building a jail on this corner in 1868 and J.B. “Wild Bill” Hickok occupied the sheriffs office from August 1869, to January, 1870. Here on August 22, 1872, accused horse thief “Pony” Donovan was . . . — — Map (db m96389) HM
On West 9th Street at Fort Street, on the right when traveling east on West 9th Street.
This second largest house built in 1867 was run by George Boggs and Thomas Ranahan, who sold the hotel in 1868 to Bob Wright, post trader at Fort Dodge. Later that year, Ranahan was one of only 20 Hays citizens who signed up with the famous Forsyth . . . — — Map (db m96496) HM
On 8th Street at Main Street, on the left when traveling west on 8th Street.
Built as a dry goods store by Hill P. Wilson in 1874, this stone building was the home of the Government Land Office from 1875 till 1877, and possibly as late as 1879, when the office was moved to WaKeeney. Thousands of pioneers filed homestead and . . . — — Map (db m59796) HM
On Fort Street at 13th Street, on the left when traveling south on Fort Street.
In memory of all
who served their country
in time of need
[Rolls of Honored Dead]
World War I • World War II
Korean Conflict • Vietnam
Afghanistan
Died in Service — — Map (db m95639) WM
On Main Street north of 12th Street, on the left when traveling north.
With the development of the B-29 Superfortress bomber, it became necessary to establish air fields at which air and ground crews would be trained. Four of these fields were built in Kansas, one each at Salina, Pratt, Great Bend, and . . . — — Map (db m95623) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Paddy Walsh killed Charles Blunt, an ex-policeman from Leavenworth, in a barroom fight in Ellsworth on September 25, 1867. By November he was in Hays City, located on South Fort Street. Within nine months it was reported that Walsh had shot and . . . — — Map (db m96402) HM
On West 10th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Moses Waters (1841-1889) and Henry Murray opened a saloon on this site in 1869. In partnership with James Hanrahan, Waters operated a second saloon, the Occident, in Dodge City. Waters was post sutler at Fort Riley from 1875 to 1889. Jack Hill, one . . . — — Map (db m96504) HM
In the summer of 1867 four wells were dug on the Fort Hays grounds. The one before you serviced the post hospital. These wells provided limited quantities of water. Periodic contamination rendered the water undrinkable.
As a result Big Creek . . . — — Map (db m59748) HM
On West 10th Street at Fort Street, on the right when traveling west on West 10th Street.
John White, a Black barber, operated his shop on this corner from 1868 until his death in 1879. On June 17, 1872, five-year-old Cy Goddard, Jr., was killed by a stray bullet, while seeking safety in White's barber chair during a street fight. The . . . — — Map (db m96407) HM
On Fort Street at 18th Street, on the right when traveling north on Fort Street.
Between 1867 and 1874 more than eighty persons were buried here. Dozens of them had died "with their boots on" as victims of knife, gun, or rope. Since the days when Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill, and Calamity Jane lived in Hays City, the bodies . . . — — Map (db m95671) HM
On Cathedral Avenue at 9th Street, on the left when traveling south on Cathedral Avenue.
have ministered to the Catholics of Ellis County since 1878. Saint Fidelis Friary, Herzog (Victoria), was established by Father Matthew Hau, O.F.M. Cap., and Father Anastasius Mueller, O.F.M. Cap., at the invitation of the Bishop of Leavenworth, . . . — — Map (db m190005) HM
On Cathedral Avenue at 9th Street, on the left when traveling south on Cathedral Avenue.
Erected between 1908 and 1911 by German and German Russian Catholics, this native limestone edifice is one of the largest buildings on the Great Plains. Its twin towers soar 141 feet above its 220 feet by 79 feet foundation.
Placing of the . . . — — Map (db m190074) HM
On 3rd Street (Old U.S. 40) at Cathedral Avenue, on the left when traveling west on 3rd Street.
Left their home in Fife, Scotland
to join the Victoria Colony.
Contracted Typhoid Fever while
traveling up the Mississippi River.
---Laid to rest here Summer 1873---
Margaret, 27 • William, 25 • Robert, 24
Thomas, 18 • Jane, 16
They . . . — — Map (db m95692) HM
On Cathedral Avenue at 10th Street, on the left when traveling north on Cathedral Avenue.
The first twenty-three families of Volga-Germans arrived in Victoria on April 8, 1876, and established the Village of Herzog in the area north of this point. The first religious activities of these settlers centered around the Village Cross. In the . . . — — Map (db m59814) HM
Let the names of the battles forever be written in our history books… but let the memory of all those who served and died be forever etched in our hearts — — Map (db m59816) WM
On Old Highway 40 at Ball Park Road, on the right when traveling east on Old Highway 40.
Nowhere in America were two colonies more unlike than those that came here. Scarlet-coated Britishers who chased antelope on bob-tailed ponies were joined by frugal and hard-working German-Russian immigrants. A Scotsman, George Grant, with 69,000 . . . — — Map (db m80424) HM
