Fort Hays, Kansas – History & Hauntings
Fort Hays, Kansas, a relic of the American frontier, stands as a testament to a bygone era of westward expansion, military presence, and the conflicts that shaped the nation. Established on October 11, 1865, this military post played a crucial role in securing vital transportation routes, protecting the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, and safeguarding the U.S. mail service. The fort’s very existence was intertwined with the challenges and dangers of the Wild West, and its story continues to resonate with tales of soldiers, pioneers, and spectral apparitions.
The initial purpose of Fort Hays, Kansas was multifaceted. It served as a bastion of defense for the military roads that crisscrossed the vast plains, ensuring the safe passage of troops and supplies. Furthermore, it was tasked with protecting the construction crews working tirelessly on the Union Pacific Railroad, a project of immense national importance. The fort also provided essential security for the stage and freight wagons of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch, a vital lifeline for commerce and communication in the region. The soldiers stationed at Fort Hays faced the constant threat of attacks from Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, who sought to protect their ancestral lands from encroachment.
Initially named Fort Fletcher in honor of Missouri Governor Thomas C. Fletcher, the post underwent a name change on November 17, 1866. It was renamed Fort Hays, Kansas to commemorate Union Brigadier General Alexander Hays, a fallen hero of the Civil War. This renaming served as a tribute to his service and sacrifice, linking the fort’s identity to the broader narrative of national unity and reconstruction.
The original location of Fort Hays, Kansas, was situated on Big Creek, approximately 14 miles southeast of the present-day Hays City. This site, however, proved to be vulnerable to the forces of nature. In the spring of 1867, a devastating flood swept through the area, completely destroying the fort and claiming the lives of several Buffalo Soldiers. The low-lying terrain along the creek offered little protection against the raging waters, leading to the abandonment of the original site.
Recognizing the need for a more secure location, General Alfred Gibbs, then a major in the Seventh United States Cavalry, was tasked with selecting a new site under the orders of General Winfield Hancock. The new location, situated approximately three-quarters of a mile from where Hays City would soon be established, encompassed around 7,500 acres. This elevated and more defensible location provided a strategic advantage and allowed for the construction of more substantial buildings. In its early years, the fort housed nearly 600 troops, a significant military presence that exerted considerable influence over the surrounding region. Notably, General Philip Sheridan established his headquarters at Fort Hays, Kansas during the Black Kettle raid in 1868, further solidifying the fort’s importance in the ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes.
Over the years, Fort Hays, Kansas, became associated with a number of legendary figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the history of the American West. Names like Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, General Nelson Miles, General Philip Sheridan, and Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer are inextricably linked to the fort’s legacy. It also served as the home base for several renowned Indian War regiments, including the Seventh U.S. Cavalry, the Fifth U.S. Infantry, and the Tenth U.S. Cavalry, whose African American troopers, known as Buffalo Soldiers, earned a distinguished reputation for their bravery and resilience.
After twenty-five years of service, as the Indian Wars drew to a close, Fort Hays was officially abandoned on November 8, 1889. The military reservation was transferred to the Interior Department on November 6, 1889, and subsequently to the state through a Congressional act on March 28, 1900. This marked the end of an era for the fort, but its historical significance remained undiminished.
Today, the original stone blockhouse, guardhouse, and officers’ quarters have been meticulously renovated, preserving the fort’s architectural heritage. Exhibits throughout the historic site offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the pioneers and soldiers who once called Fort Hays home. The museum, opened in 1967 and administered by the Kansas State Historical Society, provides a comprehensive overview of the fort’s history and its impact on the region. Furthermore, a portion of the site now serves as the campus of Fort Hays State University, ensuring that the legacy of Fort Hays, Kansas, continues to inspire and educate future generations.
Hauntings:
Beyond its historical significance, Fort Hays is also known for its spectral tales and reported hauntings, adding another layer of intrigue to its already rich narrative. The most prominent of these tales revolves around the legend of Elizabeth Polly, a young woman whose spirit is said to roam the grounds of Sentinel Hill.
Sentinel Hill Haunting – During a devastating cholera epidemic that struck Fort Hays in 1867, a young woman named Elizabeth Polly emerged as a beacon of compassion and care. Accounts vary as to her background, with some claiming she was a trained nurse, while others suggest she possessed no formal medical training. Regardless of her qualifications, Elizabeth dedicated herself to tending to the sick and dying soldiers, offering comfort and support during their final moments. When not occupied with her tireless duties, she would often seek solace and respite on nearby Sentinel Hill, a place of quiet contemplation amidst the chaos and suffering.
Tragically, Elizabeth herself eventually succumbed to the deadly disease. As she lay dying, her last wish was to be buried upon Sentinel Hill, a place that had provided her with solace and peace. In the fall of 1867, she was honored with a full military funeral, a testament to the respect and admiration she had earned from the soldiers she served. However, her dying wish could not be fully granted, as the hill’s bedrock proved too difficult to excavate. As a result, Elizabeth was buried at the base of the hill, forever separated from her desired resting place.
In 1905, Fort Hays was officially closed, and the remains of the soldiers were moved to Fort Leavenworth, while the civilian bodies were relocated to the Hays City Cemetery. However, Elizabeth’s body was left undisturbed, remaining in its original burial location at the base of Sentinel Hill.
The first recorded sighting of Elizabeth’s ghost occurred in 1917, when a man named John Schmidt reported seeing a woman dressed in blue walking across his farm towards Sentinel Hill. He watched as the apparition entered one of his sheds, but upon investigating, he found no one inside, and nothing had been disturbed.
In the 1950s, a patrolman claimed to have struck a woman dressed in a long blue dress with a white bonnet with his patrol car. However, upon exiting his vehicle, he found no woman and no damage to the car.
Over the years, numerous other sightings of Elizabeth’s ghost have been reported, with witnesses describing a woman in a long blue dress and white bonnet roaming the hill. Her spectral form is said to emit a faint blue light, leading locals to affectionately dub her the "Blue Light Lady." The ghost of Elizabeth Polly continues to be seen haunting the lonely hilltop that she frequented so often in life.
Today, a park at Fort Hays honors Elizabeth’s memory, ensuring that her selfless service and tragic fate are never forgotten. In 1941, her body was reportedly moved to the summit of Sentinel Hill, and in the 1960s, a marker was placed at her gravesite, bearing the inscription "The Lonely Grave."
Access to the grave is challenging by car, requiring a short walk for the final hundred yards. Hays is situated at the junction of Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 183 in central Kansas. Fort Hays is now a state historic site southwest of town. Elizabeth’s grave rests atop Sentinel Hill, just southwest of Old Fort Hays, a poignant reminder of the past and the enduring power of legend.