Ford County, Kansas
Ford County is located in southwest Kansas, known for its Wild West heritage, cowtown history, and wind farms. Dodge City, home to about 34,000 residents, continues to celebrate its frontier-era past through historic attractions and community events.
The Boot Hill Museum is one of the county’s notable attractions, while Dodge City Days brings the community to life in late July with a variety of Western-themed activities, including a traditional cattle drive along Main Street.
Modern wind turbines are a prominent part of the county’s landscape, reflecting the growth of renewable energy in southwest Kansas. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment at Boot Hill Casino & Resort, while Ford County Lake provides a quieter setting for birdwatching, particularly during seasonal migrations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Ellis County |
| County Seat | Hays |
| Etymology | Named after George Ellis, Union lieutenant and Civil War hero |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 183, U.S. Highway 40 |
| FIPS Code | 20-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 901 square miles (land: 900 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Rooks County (North), Osborne County (Northeast), Russell County (East), Rush County (South), Ness County (Southwest), Trego County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.88°N, 99.33°W |
| Major Landmarks | Fort Hays State University, the Historic Hays City and Fort Hays, and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History |
| Population | 30,000 |
