| Ellis
County, Kansas
Ellis
County, Kansas lies in the western
portion of Kansas, halfway between the cities of
Denver,
Colorado and Kansas
City, Missouri. Ellis County serves as an
important regional hub of commerce, with
Interstate 70 and US Highway 40 bisecting the
region. The city of Hays
is the bustling county seat, a lively community
that reflects the many exciting changes
occurring in Kansas.
Census 2000
reported Ellis County's population as 27,060.
Hays is the most populated city, with more than
20,000 residents. The cities of Ellis
and Victoria
each hold less than 2,000 people, and stand out
as tightly knit communities that honor family
values. Other towns in Ellis County include Antonino,
Hog
Back, Yocemento,
and Schoenchen.
The region averages over 300 sunny days per
year, 22 inches of summer rainfall, and 20
inches of snow each year make for low humidity
and crisp, clean air.
Western Kansas
was settled after the end of the Civil
War, when railroads expanded into the
region. Fort Hays was built where the county
seat is today, to help protect settlers from
Indians. The town grew around the fort,
beginning its life as a collection of saloons
and dance halls. Today, Ellis County prides
itself in having one of the lowest crime rates
in the state, but when it began, it was one of
the most violent and lawless areas on the Kansas
frontier. Legends like Wild Bill Hickock and
Calamity Jane lived here. The famous Boot
Hill cemetery was located in Hays, not Dodge
City, though many other towns carried on the
tradition. Ellis County celebrates its colorful
western history in events such as the Wild
West Festival and Old Fort
Hays Days.
Ellis County
settlers were largely of Volga German descent,
and that influence can be seen today in the
wonderful architecture of the many churches and
buildings remaining. The magnificent St.
Fidelis Church in Victoria, known as the
"Cathedral of the Plains", is one
outstanding example. County residents honor
these ethnic roots each year during Oktoberfest,
one of the largest events of its kind in the
Midwest.
Northwest
Kansas is famed for being the "Pheasant
Capitol of the World". Ellis County is a
Mecca for hunters
and sportsmen. Dove, quail, turkey deer and
antelope are prevalent throughout the region.
The Cedar
Bluff Reservoir and Lake
Wilson are two excellent fishing spots
within Ellis County. Bass, bluegill and catfish
abound here.
Ellis County,
Kansas maintains an outstanding quality of life.
With a low cost of living, affordable housing
and lower than average utility rates, citizens
have more time to enjoy the wonderful natural
resources around them. Community spirit runs
high here, and residents look forward to future
growth with a keen eye toward protecting their
standard of living.
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