Ellsworth Downtown Historic District
Generally including blks. between N Main & 3rd Sts. from Lincoln to Kansas Aves. & the W side of Kansas Ave., Ellsworth, KS Local significance of the district: Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first successful oil well west of the Mississippi was drilled in 1860 in Neodesha, Kansas, which led to the state becoming a major oil producer in the early 20th century.
About Ellsworth County
Ellsworth County Timeline
Ellsworth County in Kansas holds a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansas, Pawnee, and Osage. In 1864, the county was established as a part of the Kansas Territory. It was named after Fort Ellsworth, which was constructed nearby to provide protection for settlers and pioneers traveling along the Smoky Hill Trail.
During the late 1800s, Ellsworth County witnessed a significant boom due to the arrival of the railroad. The Kansas Pacific Railway's presence attracted numerous settlers and businesses to the area. Ellsworth, the county seat, quickly grew into a bustling town and even proclaimed itself as the "Wickedest Cattle Town in Kansas" due to its reputation for lawlessness and debauchery.
However, following the peak of its prosperity in the early 1870s, Ellsworth faced a decline as the railroad line was rerouted elsewhere. This led to the town losing its status as a major transportation hub, resulting in a population decrease and economic struggles. Despite these challenges, Ellsworth County remained resilient and continued to thrive due to its agricultural industry, with farming and ranching becoming the primary focus of the area.
In recent years, Ellsworth County has seen a resurgence, embracing its past while also promoting growth and development. Today, the county showcases its historical charm through various attractions, including the Ellsworth County Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the area's colorful past. The county also hosts events like the Fort Harker Days celebration, commemorating the Civil War-era fort that played a crucial role in the region's history.
During the late 1800s, Ellsworth County witnessed a significant boom due to the arrival of the railroad. The Kansas Pacific Railway's presence attracted numerous settlers and businesses to the area. Ellsworth, the county seat, quickly grew into a bustling town and even proclaimed itself as the "Wickedest Cattle Town in Kansas" due to its reputation for lawlessness and debauchery.
However, following the peak of its prosperity in the early 1870s, Ellsworth faced a decline as the railroad line was rerouted elsewhere. This led to the town losing its status as a major transportation hub, resulting in a population decrease and economic struggles. Despite these challenges, Ellsworth County remained resilient and continued to thrive due to its agricultural industry, with farming and ranching becoming the primary focus of the area.
In recent years, Ellsworth County has seen a resurgence, embracing its past while also promoting growth and development. Today, the county showcases its historical charm through various attractions, including the Ellsworth County Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the area's colorful past. The county also hosts events like the Fort Harker Days celebration, commemorating the Civil War-era fort that played a crucial role in the region's history.
Ellsworth County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ellsworth County, Kansas.
- 1867: Ellsworth County is officially established on February 26.
- 1867: Fort Harker is established near the present-day city of Ellsworth.
- 1868: The city of Ellsworth is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1868-1872: Ellsworth becomes a prominent cattle town along the Kansas Pacific Railway.
- 1873: Ellsworth experiences a major fire that destroys large parts of the city.
- 1876: The first notable conflict between cowboys and law enforcement, known as the "Ellsworth Gunfight," takes place.
- 1877: A second fire devastates Ellsworth, resulting in the construction of many brick buildings.
- 1880s: Ellsworth's cattle trade begins to decline as the railhead moves westward.
- 1888: The city of Wilson is officially incorporated in Ellsworth County.
- 1900s: Agriculture becomes the main industry in Ellsworth County.
- 1930s: The Dust Bowl causes significant hardship for farmers in the county.
- 1950s: The construction of highways and improvements in transportation further develop the county.
- 1994: The County Courthouse in Ellsworth is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.