Glimpse into history

Fort Hays has been important to the city of Hays and was once the home to several historical people and groups. Here are some of the highlights of the fort's history:

* The frontier outpost was originally names Fort Fletcher, after Missouri governor Thomas C. Fletcher.

* The fort was closed in 1866 after less than a year of operation due to troop and fund shortages and involvement from native Americans, but was reopened later that year as Fort Hays, after Civil War general Alexander Hays.

* Originally located near Walker, the fort moved to its current location in 1867.

* Fort Hays was abandoned in 1889 and Congress later entrusted the land to the state of Kansas to be used to construct a branch of the state agricultural collage, which eventually evolved into Fort Hays State University.

* Some famous tenants include Gen. George A. Custer, Gen. Philip Sheridan, Gen. Nelson Miles, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, James B. "Wild Bill" Hickok and one of the first all-black regiments, the 10th U.S. Cavalry division -- nicknamed the "Buffalo Soldiers."

* Fort Hays has been portrayed in several movies, including the 1937 film "The Plainsman," the CBS made-for-TV movie "Stolen Women" and, most notably, the Kevin Costner classic "Dances with Wolves."