LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Ellsworth, Kansas

Ellsworth, Kansas

Established in 1867, Ellsworth became a thriving cowtown in the early 1870s, at one time, eclipsing Abilene as the leading cattle shipping point in Kansas. In 1873, one Ellsworth dry goods company specializing in cowboy related items reported $150,000 worth of business during the five-month season. The creation of Cox's Trail, or the "Ellsworth Cattle Trail", shortened the trip from Texas. Three days, or 35 miles, were saved by using this fork off of the Chisholm Trail.

The plans for Ellsworth were put forth in January 1867. The settlement would be on the western edge of the Fort Harker military reservation. The proximity of the fort offered protection, and the Smoky Hill River nearby offered a ready water supply. However, the river proved to be all too eager to provide water that June. Days of heavy rains caused the river to flood the surrounding area leaving the town under four feet of water.

The town created a "New Addition to Ellsworth" two miles northwest of the original townsite. The town had a North Main Street and South Main Street on opposite sides of the new railroad tracks; the space in-between was known as the Plaza. Businesses were established on both Main Streets, and this area was later referred to as "Snake Row."

Like many cowtowns, Ellsworth gained notoriety as a wild and wicked place. Although Abilene was the first cattle town and Dodge City the last, Ellsworth was know as the "wickedest." One newspaper of the era once stated, "As we go to press, hell is still in session in Ellsworth."

The days of the cattle trade soon faded for Ellsworth. By 1875, most of the cattle market moved south as more railroads were completed. But, Ellsworth had made a reputation for itself and as the last of the Texas longhorns were trailed to Ellsworth, environs settled down to an agriculturally based community.

Today the "plaza", the two-block site of Ellsworth's original commercial district, still remains relatively uncluttered by modern intrusions.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


1873 Jail

The old jail is the oldest building in Ellsworth. Earlier jails were temporary structures like cages. At other times, prisoners were housed in private homes. This jail was authorized on April 2 1872, with the lower floor designated as the jail and the upper floor to be used as court rooms. (

Ellsworth, KS Historic Buildings

1909 Union Pacific Wooden Caboose

A 1909 wooden caboose given to the museum by the "Union Pacific Railroad." This caboose is one of 26 known wooden "Union Pacific" cabooses still in existence in the United States and is the only one known of in Kansas. Following a complete restoration the caboose celebrated its 100

Ellsworth, KS Railroad


Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course

Ellsworth is fortunate to boast one of the finest nine-hole golf courses in Central Kansas. Watered fairways and greens amongst the rolling hills make for an enjoyable and professional game. Elevated greens on nearly every hole make proper club selection a priority.

Ellsworth, KS Golf Courses

Things to do near Ellsworth, KS

Bowl Plaza

The Bowl Plaza idea came about because of the lack of public restrooms for the 10,000 plus visitors that come to visit the Lu...

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Self-guided tour of downtown square. Pick up a brochure at one of the four hisotry kiosks on the Courthouse Square. ...

Kansas Walleye Association

You are invited to the five scheduled tournaments at some of the finest lakes in Kansas. The KWA welcomes anglers of all a...