Fort Ellsworth was established in 1864 south and a little west of the present town of Kanopolis. In 1866, Ft. Ellsworth was moved to the present site of Kanopolis and re-named Fort Harker http:myellsworth.com/echs.
The city of Ellsworth, named after Lt. Allen Ellsworth, was established in Oct. 1867 and declared the county seat. Ellsworth was full of vice during its days as a frontier town (1867-1871). Gun battles were common, hangings frequent and gambling and drinking was indulged in all hours of the night. With cattle trade, from 1871 to 1875, Ellsworth was known as "the wickedest cow town in the west."
Downtown Ellsworth is a designated Historic District by the Kansas Historical Society and is also on the 
National Register of Historic Places. The Downtown streetscape has undergone "An extreme makeover" complete with cast-iron light fixtures, colored brick sidewalk inlays, trees and shrubs, corner curb cuts with large pottery planters, benches and litter containers. A delightful environment for visiting and shopping.
- Hodgden House Museum Complex
- Fort Harker Museum, Jr. Officer's Quarters and commanding Officer's Quarters - Kanopolis
- Ellsworth Historical Plaza Walking Tour
- Ellsworth Arts Council Gallery
- 1887 Organ(Roosevelt Organ Company) Located in the Masonic Temple Hall on @nd floor of Ellsworth Village Mall
- The National Drovers Hall of Fame (Under Restoration)
- May - Rods and Rock Festival
- June - Fireworks Extravaganza
- July - Fort Harker Days
- August - El-Kan Western Riders
- Rodeo and Cowtown Days
- September - National Drovers Hall of Fame Celebration
Ellsworth Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce
114 1/2 N Douglas Ellsworth KS 67439
785-472-4071
None listed