The Kansas Historical Society announced that Fort Hays State Historic Site will host “Graveside Conversations” at Fort Hays Cemetery on Oct. 29. Tours will be offered at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by calling Fort Hays at 785-625-6812 or by e-mailing the fort at thefort@kshs.org. Cost of the tour is $3 per adult and $1 per child.
Fort Hays was active from 1867 until 1889 and during those 22 years, at least 175 people were buried in the fort cemetery. Some of those deaths were the result of gunfights on the streets of Hays City and battles with American Indians. Far more, however, were the result of disease and accidents. Visitors will be able to hear how a few of these individuals lived and died from Fort Hays volunteers portraying “residents” of the cemetery. Among them are two soldiers killed in a gunfight, a soldier who died of rabies, a woman who died of a mysterious illness, and a civilian who was run over by a horse. An appearance will also be made by local legend Elizabeth Polly, also known as the Blue Light Lady.
Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit 157 at Hays. The site is one of 16 administered by the Kansas Historical Society. For more information contact Fort Hays State Historic Site, 1472 Highway 183 Alt., Hays KS 67601-9212: 785-625-6812; thefort@kshs.org; kshs.org.