The Western Frontier 09/20/20

Our 2nd day began in Russellville, AR. We drove through west Arkansas and entered Oklahoma at Fort Smith, AR. We then turned north toward Tulsa. After crossing into KS we made a side trip to Newton, KS. We traveled north to Salina, KS and west to Hays, KS. After checking into our Hampton we explored Hays. After visiting Boot Hill cemetery, the Hays historic district, the Fort Hays park and buffalo herd, it was time for dinner. We had heard quite a bit about Gella's Sauerkraut soup. That is where we went next. It was as good as advertised. We had a good day driving. We drove 587 miles yesterday and 553 miles today. Tomorrow we will cross into Colorado and end up in Laramie, WY.

Before I go, let me tell you a little bit about Hays. It came into being in 1867 after Fort Hays was built. It was a true frontier town. You had Indians, you had outlaws, you had saloons, you had brothels, you had gunfights. There was any number of people with dubious reputations coming to Hays. Some of the more famous names from western lore showed up in Hays... General George Armstrong Custer, his wife, Libby, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wild Bill Hickok even served as the sheriff. The town had a dark reputation. They had 30 homicides between 1867 and 1873. Boot Hill Cemetery held the bodies of some 79 outlaws.

If you get a chance read about Fort Hays... a fascinating history. I will be checking in tomorrow night from Laramie.