Once upon a time in western Kansas, there was a city established by General William Tecumseh Sherman that was home to an established Fort, businesses, and various work opportunities made possible by the Union Pacific Railway. While the 2010 census shows 50-some people still living in this once thriving community, it is now deemed a semi-ghost town that contains several historic buildings, homes, and various structures.

The town that I am referring to is Wallace, and the story behind it is one that every Kansan should know.

The historic Pond Creek Stage Station, a stagecoach station built in 1865, is believed to be the oldest man-made structure in northwest Kansas.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
In addition to being the oldest structure, Pond Creek is also thought to be the only Butterfield Overland Dispatch stage company building left in the state.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Sitting outside the town is the Old Ft. Wallace Post Cemetery, which commemorates the lives of Custer’s 7th Cavalry.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Flickr/Al

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Flickr/Al
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
An old oval barn fights to stay upright.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The abandoned Union Pacific Railroad Depot.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Downtown Wallace.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Several antique artifacts and important buildings from Fort Wallace can now be seen at the Fort Wallace Museum, including this limestone Section House...
Fort Wallace Museum Facebook
...recently restored chuck wagon...
Fort Wallace Museum Facebook
...and Civil War-era canon.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Have you had the opportunity to visit this historic town? Do you have family who served at Fort Wallace? Tell us your story in the comments! For more information about Wallace, visit the Fort Wallace Museum in person or on Facebook.

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