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Ellsworth, Kansas

The Fort Harker Museum is located in Kanopolis Ks. First Established as Fort Ellsworth in 1864 at the juncture of the Smokey Hill River and the Fort Riley/Fort Larned Road on the Smokey Hill Trail, the post was moved from its site by the river and renamed Fort Harker in 1866. The Fort was closed in 1873. The Ellsworth County Historical society cares for and preserves three original fort buildings which are open to the public. The Commanding Officers Quarters, the recently restored Jr. Officers Quarters and the Guard House. The museum complex also houses the 1905 Kanopolis Union Pacific Depot.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

1909 Union Pacific Wooden Caboose

A 1909 wooden caboose given to the museum by the "Union Pacific Railroad." This caboose is one of 26 known wooden "Union Pacific" cabooses still in existence in the United States and is the only one known of in Kansas. Following a complete restoration the caboose celebrated its 100

Ellsworth, KS Railroad

Fort Harker Museum Complex/ Kanopolis KS

The Fort Harker Museum is located in Kanopolis Ks. First Established as Fort Ellsworth in 1864 at the juncture of the Smokey Hill River and the Fort Riley/Fort Larned Road on the Smokey Hill Trail, the post was moved from its site by the river and renamed Fort Harker in 1866

Ellsworth, KS Military History

1873 Jail

The old jail is the oldest building in Ellsworth. Earlier jails were temporary structures like cages. At other times, prisoners were housed in private homes. This jail was authorized on April 2 1872, with the lower floor designated as the jail and the upper floor to be used as court rooms. (

Ellsworth, KS Historic Buildings

Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course

Ellsworth is fortunate to boast one of the finest nine-hole golf courses in Central Kansas. Watered fairways and greens amongst the rolling hills make for an enjoyable and professional game. Elevated greens on nearly every hole make proper club selection a priority.

Ellsworth, KS Golf Courses

Oriel Building

One of only a few bartizan style structures remaining in Kansas, the old Signature Insurance Building with its signature oriel window stands as an architectural landmark of the early drover history of Ellsworth, Kansas.

Ellsworth, KS Museums

Things to do near Ellsworth, KS

Kanopolis Horse Trails

Kanopolis Multi-Use Trail System - Kanopolis offers 24.9 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback...