Abilene, Kansas

Abilene is a city located in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States, 163 miles (262 km) west of Kansas City. In 1900, 3,507 people lived here. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,543. It is the county seat of Dickinson County{{GR|6}}.

History

Abilene began as a stage coach stop in 1857 established by Timothy and Eliza Hersey. The name, taken from a passage in the bible, means city of the plains. The town grew quickly when Joseph G. McCoy decided to use the town for the location of his stockyards.

Related Topics:
Timothy - Eliza Hersey - Joseph G. McCoy

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With the railroad pushing west and the cattle traders soon used Abilene as the largest stockyards west of Kansas City. The Chisholm Trail ended in Abilene and brought in many travelers and made Abilene one of the wildest towns in the west.

Related Topics:
Kansas City - Chisholm Trail

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Wild Bill Hickok became marshal of Abilene for a short time in April of 1871. His time as marshal was short lived when, in a shoot-out with Phil Coe, he accidentally shot his friend and deputy, Mike Williams by mistake. He lost his job two months later in December.

Related Topics:
Wild Bill Hickok - 1871 - Phil Coe - Mike Williams

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In 1890, Dr. A.B. Seelye founded the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. Dr Seelye developed over 100 products for the company including "Wasa-Tusa," an Indian name meaning to heal.

Related Topics:
Dr. A.B. Seelye - A.B. Seelye Medical Company

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Abilene became home to Dwight D. Eisenhower when his family moved to Abilene from Denison, Texas in 1892 where he attended elementary school through high school. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library is located in Abilene. It is now the final resting place for President Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie, and one son.

Related Topics:
Dwight D. Eisenhower - Denison - Texas - Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library

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