Fort Hays State Historic Site

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant John Denny, pictured at left, served at Fort Hays from January 1882 to December 1884. He and the rest of the African American “Buffalo Soldiers” are part of the rich history of Fort Hays that includes names like Generals George A. Custer, Nelson Miles, and Philip Sheridan; Major Reno; William “Buffalo Bill” Cody; and James B. “Wild Bill” Hickok. Established in 1865 in the land of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, the fort protected railroad workers and travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail. Here you will learn more about the soldiers and the people they were protecting.

Visitors are saying:

"This was a great experience."

"A wonderful way to bring history to life!"

"Awesome!"

"Loved receiving a Fort Hays soldier's name and a place to look up the remainder of his career! It helps make history real for 'dot.com' kids."