Wellsville

Wellsville was formerly part of the lands once ceded to and then reacquired from the Shawnee Indians, purchased by Jacob Rynerson in 1857. With the development of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Gulf Railroad in 1870, Ottawa developers bought a 27-block township from Rynerson and found the town adjacent to the tracks. From 1900-1918, Wellsville was known as the “English Blue Grass Capital of the World” for its production of grass seed. The old bank building at 418 Main was the town’s first brick edifice, and is listed on the National Register. The renovated home at 113 E. 5th, just east of Main, was the former Barabeau Hotel, the first building in Wellsville. Several early buildings exist. Of note is the Hostetter home at the end of North Main. Wellsville is the home of renowned artist Elizabeth “Grandma” Layton. Return south on Main to Seventh Street (or Stafford Terrace) and drive west 1.5 miles past the Wellsville Cemetery on your right. At the “T” with Utah Road, turn right and drive .5 miles to Thomas Road. Turn left and drive one mile to Texas Road. Turn left and drive to top of “Port Chop Hill,” called Shawnee Mound during the nineteenth century, and later known as Coffman Hill for the Coffmans who lived here for many years. Enjoy the view.