Volga German settlers began arriving in Ellis County in the mid-1870'
Hays, KS Ethnic HeritageWhen the Germans settled on the Kansas high plains over a century ago, after homesteading their farm and establishing a church, the next priority was to build a schoolhouse. This schoolhouse was originally built in Russell County in the 1870'
Hays, KS Historic SchoolhousesThere are more historic German Catholic churches in Ellis County then any other county in Kansas. They were built of native limestone over 100
Hays, KS Historic ChurchesThe Ellis County Historical Society Museum preserves and illustrates local history by housing exhibits of artifacts, collections of documents, photographs, manuscripts and other archival materials that reflect this region's past. The museum displays over 25,000
Hays, KS MuseumsThe famous and infamous walked the streets of Old Hays City during the 1860's to 1880's including Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody and General George Armstrong Custer. Twenty five bronze plaques mark the route and explain the historical significance of each site. Begin the tour near 13
Hays, KS Tours