Hays, city (2020 pop. 21,116), seat
of Ellis co., W central Kans.; inc. 1885. It is a rail, trade, and medical
center in a grain, cattle, and oil area. Manufactures include electronic
equipment, plastics, feeds, medical supplies, aircraft, and motorcycles.
Fort Hays was established (1865) 14 mi (23 km) southeast of the city, on a
stagecoach road to Denver. The fort was abandoned in 1889 and the land
turned over to the state with the understanding that it be used for a
school, an agricultural experiment station, and a state park. The school has
grown into Fort Hays Kansas State Univ.; the agricultural experiment station
(laid out 1901) is one of the world's largest; and Frontier Historical Park,
a state historic site, contains the fort's surviving buildings.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
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