Kansas, Ellsworth County, Ellsworth
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Fires plagued the businesses on South Main Street throughout the early years. The last of three devastating fires occurred in November 1875 destroying this entire block. Except one building near the center of the block, the buildings were entirely constructed of wood and the flames "licked up like so much straw, rapidly threatening the destruction of the whole town." Twenty-five buildings were burned. South Main would no longer be a thriving business center. Many businesses relocated on North Douglas Avenue while others left Ellsworth for good.
Perry Hodgden, a founding merchant of Ellsworth, built his house on this location following the fire. In 1963, the Ellsworth County Historical Society established the museum in his home and on the grounds that once were witness to the wild frontier days when Ellsworth was known as "The Wickedest Cowtown In The West."
(Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Fires plagued the businesses on South Main Street throughout the early years. The last of three devastating fires occurred in November 1875 destroying this entire block. Except one building near the center of the block, the buildings were entirely constructed of wood and the flames "licked up like so much straw, rapidly threatening the destruction of the whole town." Twenty-five buildings were burned. South Main would no longer be a thriving business center. Many businesses relocated on North Douglas Avenue while others left Ellsworth for good.
Perry Hodgden, a founding merchant of Ellsworth, built his house on this location following the fire. In 1963, the Ellsworth County Historical Society established the museum in his home and on the grounds that once were witness to the wild frontier days when Ellsworth was known as "The Wickedest Cowtown In The West."
(Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
