National Register Listing

Merchants Bank of Ellis

a.k.a. 051-1600-0005

822 Washington St., Ellis, KS
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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.

commerce
Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.
Kansas is home to several important Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Ellis County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the 19th century. The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Pawnee. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to explore and settle in the region.

The county's history took a significant turn in 1867 when the Kansas Pacific Railway established a station in present-day Hays, which would become the county seat. This led to an influx of settlers, and the population of Ellis County grew steadily. The railroads played a crucial role in the county's economic development, as they brought in commodities and opened up trading opportunities for the settlers.

Ellis County witnessed further growth with the establishment of Fort Hays in 1865. The presence of the fort attracted soldiers, merchants, and settlers to the area. The fort served as a vital protection against Native American attacks and contributed to the stability and growth of the region.

In the late 19th century, Ellis County became known for its agricultural endeavors. Farmers began growing wheat, corn, and other crops, while ranchers engaged in cattle and sheep husbandry. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it a prime agricultural region, leading to economic prosperity and the establishment of several small towns.

Today, Ellis County continues to thrive as an agricultural hub, while also being home to Fort Hays State University, a vibrant educational institution. The county's history, from its Native American roots to its railway and military influence to its agricultural heritage, has shaped its identity and contributed to its growth and development over the years.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ellis County, Kansas.

  • 1803: The area of present-day Ellis County, Kansas, is part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1843: Fort Mann is established near present-day Dodge City to protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.
  • 1867: Ellis County is officially established as a county in the Kansas Territory.
  • 1870: The city of Hays is founded, becoming the county seat of Ellis County.
  • 1878: The railroad reaches Hays, bringing significant economic growth to the area.
  • 1900: Agriculture becomes a major industry in Ellis County, with the cultivation of wheat, corn, and livestock.
  • 1902: The Hays Army Airfield is established, becoming an important training base during World War II.
  • 1956: The construction of Interstate 70 through Ellis County brings improved transportation and tourism opportunities.
  • 1989: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History opens in Hays, showcasing the rich paleontological history of the region.