Ellsworth and Kanopolis Kansas

I didn’t have far to drive to get to Ellsworth from Abilene. A little further west on I-70 to 135 south then to 140 to 141 and 10 miles to the Outlet Parkside Campground built by the Corps of Engineers. I hadn’t planned on staying here originally. My thought was to stay at the state park in Kanopolis, actually right across the street. But I was advised by Connie and George Dickinson, owners of the Smoky Hill Trading Post, that because of the high winds, I would be more protected in the valley that Riverside offered. Although Kanopolis is directly across the street, it is on higher ground. Their advise was spot on, as even though I am below the winds, it is still extremely windy. So far Kansas has lived up to its windy reputation with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. I am camped directly above the river that is actually a runoff for the Kanopolis Dam and Reservoir.
That night I set up and relaxed as I knew the next day would offer a full day of sight seeing in Ellsworth. Ellsworth is one of only a handful of Kansas towns that were known as “End of Trail” towns for the Texas Cowboys and their wild Texas Longhorn Cattle. The era occupied a short span of history from 1867 to 1885, just under 20 years. Ellsworth served as a cattle depot or railhead for seven of those years from 1868 to 1875.
Seeing the Ellsworth County Historical Museum was high on my list as it is packed with the Western History I was looking for.
When I stopped into the Area Chamber of Commerce, I was informed by Nick Slechta, Director, that it was closed that day. His help to try to get one of the volunteers to open it failed so I just did the walking tour. I also stopped at Fort Harker which is famous for the campaign against the Cheyenne in 1864 and the famous people who used it as a base camp such as Generals Sheridan, Sherman, Grant, Hancock, Miles and others such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok who were scouts for the military.
Western Wear, boots, were also on my mind, and I was directed me to C R Old West Trading Post. There I met Christina Goding, the owner. Chris informed me I would be trying on lots of boots to make sure I got a pair that fit and was to my liking. She did a great job and I left with a pair of Boulet Boots that were surprisingly enough, made in Canada. Well, Canada is almost the U S A so I bought them. I also left with gifts of post cards, a Kansas rock with a personal inscription on the back and special Blackrock leather conditioner. But, I also left with more. Chris and her co worker Val have become friends. Tonight we meet for beers at a place called Dry Dock and an opportunity for me to practice by Two Step that Chris taught me.
Chris and her companion, Rebel, that’s his real name, own almost 1000 acres of land directly off of Rt. 140, or just 40 as they refer to it. The farmers in the area still are true to the same traditions that their grand and great grandparents adhered to. The land is still considered cheap and as Rebel told me today when I visited their spread, “Kansas is one of the few places left where a farmer or cowboy can actually make a living”. They have 135 head of cattle and also grow soy beans other crops. Not a bad life.
Ellsworth is a true old west town even today. Western apparel is as common as a suit is in the big city.
So far the people that I have met in Kansas have been the most down to earth, friendly and generous people you could imagine. We’ll see how friendly they are tonight after I step on a few toes two stepping. I don’t think Two Step refers to toes.
Post Script: Thursday… A one man band (and son on occasion) at Dry Dock, great sound and a whole lot of fun. Rebel turned to me and said “All this in the middle of nowhere”.
Friday… I did end up seeing the Ellsworth Historical Museum and have posted a few pictures. It was not a disappointment. A second night of dancing in Salina, a fairly large town about 35 miles east of Ellsworth at a saloon called Outlaws. Outlaws is about 50 years old and seems to be a tradition in this area. I saw everything from country to preppie to hippie, young and old alike. It’s a very interesting place to listen to music, dance or just people watch. I did all three and had a great time.
Kansas…Not a bad place to settle down, if you can take the winds!

$2.50 for three months. Wild little town!