Hays City

Founded: 1867, Pop.:27,507 (2000), Elev.: 2010 ft. Located in the North Central Region of the state, in Ellis County, (County Seat). This historic town is west of Salina along Hwy-40 and near Old Fort Hays State Historical Site.

Situated between the Saline River and Smoky Hill River.

Like other western towns appearing like mushrooms along, and sometimes in anticipation of the appearance of a railroad passing through, Hays City had its nefarious side. Unlike its contemporaries, Hays City seemed to attract a disproportionate number of disreputable characters of both genders. Saloons and bagnios flourished for a time. Interestingly, the bagnios were associated with the incubation of early Jazz music that had come from Chicago and Old New Orleans, contributing to what became known as Kansas City jazz.

Local attractions include: Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Society Museum, Felten Art Gallery, the Hays Art Center, the Volga German House and Old Ft. Hays.