Fort Hays - Exhibits
Fort Hays was relocated to its current site in 1867 and remained active until 1889. Once a large complex of 45 major buildings, only four remain. These buildings, along with the visitor center, tell the story of life in a 19th century frontier fort.
The visitor center displays items from the Plains Indians and the fort’s military personnel. The seven-minute video Clash of Cultures is available, and a touch screen panel provides a tour of the site as it was during the life of the fort. Visitors can see:
- Clothing made by Plains Indians
- Plains Indian toys
- Arrows with a beaded quiver
- George Armstrong Custer’s dumbbell, possibly forged by the fort’s blacksmith
- Sabers, including that of General Alexander Hays for whom the fort was named
- Spencer carbine
- Remington army revolver
Listen to stories at three different places on the grounds to learn more about people who lived and worked here at the fort. You can also hear these stories online.
Buffalo Bill Cody
The stone blockhouse, built in 1867, is hexagonal in shape with a 17 foot radius; two wings extend north and south, each 17 feet square. Exhibits explore the stories of some of the officers who were stationed at Fort Hays and explain what happened to the fort after the military left in 1889.
Elizabeth Custer
Fort Hays soldiers
The two officers’ quarters are frame construction and were home to officers and their families. Both buildings have two rooms on the first floor and two on the second, with the dining room and one-story kitchen in the back. The furnishings are pieces from the time period. Visitors can see
The stone guardhouse, built in 1872, is 100 feet long and 24 feet wide. Exhibits tell the story of the everyday lives of enlisted soldiers. A barracks bunk, a jail cell, and uniforms are on display. Interactive touch screen panels play period music as visitors hear stories and reports about enlisted men who lived at the fort.
On the grounds informational signs show the location of original buildings, and 13 metal silhouettes help tell the stories of the people who lived in them.
