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Volga-German Heritage


category : Ethnic Heritage
Volga-German Heritage Volga German settlers began arriving in Ellis County in the mid-1870's. These frontier settlers were so named because prior to coming to the United States they had settled along the Volga River in Russia. Coming from a harsh climate, the Volga Germans were able to adapt and thrive in their new home. They learned to use what nature provided. A good example of this is their use of limestone in the absence of lumber. This can still be seen today in their homes, churches and fence posts. Being a very religious people, they expressed creativity in the construction of beautiful churches, many of which are still in use in the communities surrounding Hays. The most famous of the churches is the magnificent St. Fidelis Church, more commonly referred to as "the Cathedral of the Plains", which stands today as a monument to the Volga German immigrants and their enduring lifestyle. Starting in the month of February and continuing through November there is a German celebration nearly every month, with either a polkafest, Oktoberfest or church fundraiser with tasty German food and a polka mass. Although many of the German celebrations highlight the local Volga German food, polka music, beer and family gathering time, each event emphasizes their own traditions and unique activities. For a complete listing of the German celebrations in Ellis County go to www.haysusa.net


Hours: Varies
Address: 2700 Vine-Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 785-628-8202
Our Email: rschuckman@haysusa.com
Our Website:www.germancapitalofkansas.com

Come visit us in Hays, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Farmers Market and Fresh Produce Market

Hays Farmers Market Parking Lot - 27th & Vine Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings June through October Hours: Sat 8-noon, Wed 5-8 pm Admission: Free Local farmers and gardeners sell a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, farm products and baked goods Fresh Produce Market 2900

Hays, KS Farmers Markets

Boot Hill Cemetery

The original Boot Hill was located in Hays not Dodge City, as many people believe. In fact, when Dodge City was founded in 1872, the Hays City Boot Hill was well populated. Mrs. Elizabeth Custer spent the summers of 1869 and 1870

Hays, KS Cemeteries


KS Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park

Kansas Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park At the close of World War II the French nation was devastated. Reconstruction was a slow process. Farmlands had been ravished. War-damaged factories had to be rebuilt and retooled before industry could begin the production of civilian goods. By 19

Hays, KS Museums

Mt. Allen Cemetery Tree Swings

As with many of the cemetery stories and records that date back to 100

Hays, KS Cemeteries

Things to do Ethnic Heritage near Hays, KS