Wichita's Wild West Past // Wyatt Earp 1874-76 // Delano District

I've always been fascinated by the Wild West era, but I never knew the significance of it in my own current hometown of Wichita, KS. The Chilholm Cattle Trail that passed through Wichita and eventually made its endpoint there, helped build the city from a small town. Then the "Wild West" happened, frequently in the town across the river - Delano. An important time of Wyatt Earp's life was spent in Wichita as well and I do a parallel timeline to show how Wichita and Earp intersect in the 1870's. This video was a lot of fun to research and put together - what do you think of Wichita's Wild West past?
TV Show - Wyatt Earp Goes to Wichita: • Video
My video exploring Tombstone: • Arizona Ghost Towns - ...
T-shirt: Wichita Track & Field
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0:00 Intro
0:40 1861-1869 - Wichita's beginnings
4:03 1870-1873 - Boom town
9:40 1874-1876 - Wyatt in Wichita
12:09 1877-1880 - Wichita calms down
14:08 Wichita/Delano today
16:48 Bonus - food/nightlife
Music
Cowboy Lullaby - JHS Pedals
Come With Us - Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum

[@travelsfromdoodah949]

I heard back in the "day " when crossing the Douglas Bridge you were obligated to fire two shots from your gun to let everyone know you were entering Wichita. And I have story's about old Town..I was the last cook standing at spaghetti warehouse. Great video.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I had never heard that story! How wild! I bet you have some great stories about Old Town! 😊 Thanks for watching! It was fun to research.

[@whoees3953]

That law is in fact still on the books! And it's specifically a shotgun!

[@chrismoody1342]

Wichita resident here. Pretty accurate account of Wichita early years. Should of made a trip to the Cowtown museum. There are knowledgeable people there about Wichita history. My wife was Soiled Dove, Dance Hall reenactment volunteer for a good dozen years. She had to learn early Wichita history, and by so I also learned a lot of history. The shamrock tavern has been pretty much a fixture for the better part if not my whole life. I used to frequent it a young man in the early 70’s.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! I bet that reenactment was great! I actually left Cowtown out on purpose as I hope to make a separate video about that museum in the future. I always enjoy learning about Wichita’s history. Thanks for watching!

[@sammyhammy78]

This is my neighborhood! Our home has been owned by my husband's family since his mother was a small child in the early 60s. We found all the original paperwork for the house clear back to the plat map of Osa Martinson dividing the land. Ulysses S. Grant was listed as the President at the time. Our current home, however, wasn't built until 1920. Proud to be from an area rich in history.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

That’s really awesome! That original paperwork with Grant listed as president must’ve been an exciting thing to find!

[@sammyhammy78]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy It really was! I'm a lover of history and it was such a gem to find. We have uncovered a great deal of interesting things as we have remodeled and refreshed our home. I could probably go for days talking about it lol. We just thought it would be awesome to buy my husband's grandparents' home based on the sentimentality but it has really been a fascinating experience. Thank you for the great video on our little area in the middle of the city of Wichita.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Such a cool story! Starting this channel has forced me to go out and learn things about the city I’m living in, and thank goodness it has! So much history happened right here under our noses. Thank you for watching and commenting - I appreciate it!

[@sammyhammy78]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy My family and I have really been enjoying your videos. Keep up the great work!!

[@kaymerry369]

Kansas is neat state. Wichita has a history of variety that's so interesting. Delano is certainly above average in history. The clock tower is so unique and maybe serves as roundabout? Murals and bridge walk were impressive. 😊

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

For sure! It has a very interesting history - love the connections to the Wild West days!

[@gregkeiter1349]

Good job on the video. Both informative and entertaining. Thanks for sharing with us

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Fascinating early history here!

[@ryanwashere]

Great video! I grew up in Wichita and only knew a portion of the history.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! It was very interesting once I started really going down the rabbit hole!

[@mymessymidlifecrisis]

Billy the Kid stayed the night at my great great grandparents when he was running from the law back then. You should also check out Riverside and College Hill also. Loved your video

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! Yes I’ve been to both many times and are very nice areas! I need to learn some more about them!

[@colingeorgeh]

Great video. I love Wichita history. I have read Craig T. Miner’s books on old Wichita. I would be glad to be in your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! And I’m glad you’d be in the video 😊

[@RichardRuth]

a lavalier mic would help out your skund. Good stuff!

[@carlabattershaw4271]

Very educational, thank you!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! It was fun researching and learning about the history too!

[@lololala785]

Ruben’s is an amazing Mexican restaurant! The monarch has amazing food too!

[@lololala785]

Lol I’m super excited you’re covering the Delano district!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! I’ve eaten at Ruben’s and enjoyed it very much! Always enjoy Delano!

[@gorrdd]

Nice historic review, John. Thanks for taking the time to research and investigate it.😊 Gord

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Always wanted to tell this story. Very intriguing time in Wichita!

[@gorrdd]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Indeed... thanks! Gord

[@dannylawson366]

You briefly featured The Shamrock Lounge, the man who built it back in 1927 was C.V. Waddington. C.V. then lived in the house I live in now just a few blocks to the south.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Nice! I always enjoy hanging out at Shamrock! Cool to learn about the history. Almost 100 years old!

[@michelleflo3527]

Love the shirt - Go Shock's! Great video full of history!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! It’s one of our merchandise items for WSU Track and Field! Thanks for watching!

[@jjarm]

Love your work sir. Just ran into your videos recently and now I will have to stop saying I know Kansas pretty well ‘cause I surely don’t! I am picking up a LOT of really cool info, thx.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! I bet you probably know it better than me in a lot of places! I appreciate you watching!

[@DavidsExecutiveTouch17]

Good Sunday afternoon. We loved the trip through the Delano district of Wichita. When we 1st moved to Wichita in 96, I worked at a carwash in the area & lived on the outer edges over by Meridian and Edwards. Seen the Bell floor covering, which made me think of a couple of acquaintances from said carwash days, Mark & Mike Bell. Good guys to know. While an excellent place to visit, the cost of living in that town has skyrocketed over the past 15-20 years.... Good Job Friend!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! I love the Bell sign! And yeah I imagine it has gotten more expensive - unfortunately everywhere is getting that way! Appreciate you watching!

[@justtrainswithsteve1159]

We went to Wichita for a funeral couple of years ago. Stayed at the Home2Suites a block from the Delano clock tower. Wished I would have known the history of the area then, especially since I grew up near the Chisholm trail in Oklahoma.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Definitely an interesting area once you learn about it! The Chisholm Trail history is fascinating to me as well!

[@travis303]

I grew up on nuway. I just always new the area as old town

[@Nixua118]

I was born in Wichita and lived in Dodge city and I had no idea that Wyatt Earp was ever in Wichita good video

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I’m surprised it isn’t more talked about here!

[@Nixua118]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Wichita does have it's river fest but I don't think that has anything to do with Wyatt Earp But Dodge City has a thing called Dodge City Days which is more built around Wyatt Earp and stuff from that period they even have statues in Dodge City of him but none that I have noticed in Wichita but Wyatt Earp had less of a roll in Wichita being built but from what I noticed living in Dodge City he had a much bigger roll in helping to build it.

[@brendacejda7069]

Shopped the Delano District years ago. There used to be some very unique businesses there.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

It still has a unique vibe. The record store is cool and it has a big bike shop. Worth checking out!

[@stephenyoung2742]

Bat Masterson's family had a farm near Sedgewick 1871! Some believe him to be even a better lawman and gunfighter than Wyatt! Him and his brother Ed headed to DC area later in 1871.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yeah I could probably do a whole series of famous people from that era in the Wichita and vicinity area. What a time to be a Wichitan!

[@sakeenahhart113]

Awesome 😎

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😊

[@jamesorth6460]

Delano was my old neighborhood while growing up in Wichita

[@chilipeppersalsa7596]

I went to Chisholm high school near Enid, Ok...built close to Chisholm trail

[@leeta56]

The monarch was a bar back in the early 2000 called The Garage . Wichita is my home. Nice to hear some history.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I think I remember that, but I didn’t go over there very often when I first moved to Wichita in 2006. It seems like they’ve done a nice job with the area! Thanks for watching!

[@beverlyrobertson6796]

THANK YOU ,ENJOY YOUR TIME AND VIDEOS,,,EAST TENNESSEE

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@BeagleMama87]

Excellent video! My husband and I love your channel. We live in Wichita 🌻 🌾 😊, are you from KS?

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! I’m from Ohio but moved to Wichita in 2006.

[@buckyc.9069]

I never heard of "Elgin" before. All I know is the Wichitas went back to N.Texas when the war was over. Jesse Chisolm built his trading post, and the Army built Camp Beecher. This was all gone by the time Munger and Matthewson established Wichita, as we know it.

[@Oct131917]

Near Seneca and Douglas is one of the oldest firehouses in Wichita Engine House number 4 built in 1889, 120 S. Seneca.

[@stevemccoy8138]

I have never heard of the Running of the Doves, that would be plenty interesting. Elgin was one of the first cow towns if I remember right. Complete with turn table on the railroad.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yes it had quite the colorful history haha!

[@OhPhuckYou]

Elgin is an incredibly interesting ghost town now. Quite a few buildings left.

[@Oct131917]

The monarch I believe that it used to be a Volkswagen dealership, I grew up in that part of Wichita from 1980 to 1990.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

That makes sense if it was!

[@coolhanddruid]

I couldn't catch all you said about the Monarch, but it just used to be a dirty ol biker bar around 2002 or so. Name was Rivers Edge. Usually smelled like vomit, but they had good bands, and good people If they liked you. They closed, and then I pretty much lived at the Shamrock every evening. Used to never get any bikers there before, but I started parking in front on the grass, now everyone does. Or at least they did before I moved. Edit: I actually have a Bacardi bar mat from the Rivers Edge. I thought it was cool, and one of the ladies working the bar just told me to go ahead and take it. She was pretty.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Basically all I said was they told me it was the original garage doors on the front. Sounds like it’s been a colorful place! Haha! It’s very nice now.

[@travis303]

I grew up in west Wichita. There has always been a bit of a rivalry between the west side and east side. Now I understand it better.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yeah it’s definitely got a different feel. I was with some friends on the west side last night and we talked about that. Nothing bad, just different.

[@travis303]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy I went to Northwest High School

[@stephenyoung2742]

Wichita, IRONIC was born there spent less than 2 years there! Plus today's my birthday!

[@stephenyoung2742]

You get around when your military! When I visit I go to cowtown replica!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Happy birthday! Hopefully this video was a good present 😂😂 Have a great day!

[@jamesorth6460]

Ackerman Island was home of Wichita’s earliest amusement park near to where Delano neighborhood .

[@HDCalame]

Wyatt Earp was the dog catcher for the Wichita Marshals office. His job was to control the population of strays, both dogs and cats, as well as any wild animals that would come into town, such as skunks and raccoons. This was to control the spread of disease, like rabies. But Wyatt didn't necessarily care to differentiate between strays and pets and didn't care to catch so much as to just shoot at what ever moved. He sharpened his skills with the gun that way but really made a lot of folks upset. Which is one of the reasons he was terminated from the Wichita marshals (city police). Wyatt also took it personally that he wasn't made a full fledged city marshal but was made the animal control officer instead.

[@CarnivoreDog]

WSU has the coolest mascot.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

We love it!

[@Erwincm33]

Lived in Wichita my whole life and have never eaten at Nu Way. haha.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I’ve only had it once 😂😂

[@rabsmith8725]

Regarding Elgin, please note that it was probably named after the town of Elgin in Scotl.and. It is pronounced E l g I n, as in each letter of the alphabet. The J sound is NOT used. Thank you for such an interesting video.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you for that info! I appreciate you watching 😊

[@travis303]

I grew up in Wichita and never knew about the history of the Delano district. I mean if it, it was mentioned in the news, of course I had been there but never knew it was once a separate town.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yeah it’s definitely interesting how it’s not more of a thing here, but there are nods to it around the city like Cowtown. I wasn’t aware of it being a different town until I did the video!

[@travis303]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Cowtown used to be a field trip when I was in elementary school. I was always great fun but I didn't know it was an ode to Elgin/Delano. I always thought that was what Wichita itself looked like

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I think it’s a combination of things from around Wichita and Kansas. Would be a good subject for a future video!

[@darrellsaunders4267]

Club Billiards....West High hangout in early 70's....Scotty never checked ID'S...we could go in when we were 16....he had 25 cent Schlitz draws and 25 cent Chili Dogs! If the cops came in the front door, we exited thru the back door. Two Schlitz draws and two chili dogs for lunch and we were ready to go back for 5th hour!

[@OhPhuckYou]

I'm generally not satisfied with what Wichita does, but Delano is really coming back to life and I love to see it. Not even 10 years ago it was a ran down dump, but the growth occuring now is admirable. Edit: The best way I can describe NuWay burgers would be 'body odor on a soggy bun'. Their root beer is incredible though and make for a fantastic float! The Monarch has great craft cocktails using homemade cordials such as limoncello. Their sandwiches are the best I've had, and the baked potato salad is game changing.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yeah there are a lot of good places to visit. I go there a lot on the weekend and it’s got a good vibe!

[@travis303]

Look at you partying in old town, ha!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂😂

[@denisegrays5936]

It would be amazing if you revived the running of the doves. Bring your track & field knowledge to your dove training. 🕊 🏃‍♀️😄

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂😂 I would definitely have to retire from WSU before I attempted that haha. I think a PG-13 version of the race should happen though!

[@denisegrays5936]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Morality clause at WSU? 😄 Bikini doves then 👙

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂 It’s basically what they wear at a track meet haha

[@buckyc.9069]

Are you sure that wasn't a picture of Doc Holliday?

[@darrellsaunders4267]

Club Billiards...Scotty!

[@annamckinney6622]

Delano district hasn't changed all that much, especially on the weekends at closing time. Quite a few shootings.

[@stephenyoung2742]

Your photo at 9:19 appears to be Doc Holliday!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

At 9:19 is Rowdy Joe Lowe

[@stephenyoung2742]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Correct, meant the 9:46 photo not the image at 9:19 must have missed my reference point although websites also say 9:46 it might not be DOC! Use to read the old True west magazine and some of their photos look a lot like it! Nice weather there! Bob Boze Bell does some great western articles for True West! Thanks.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Ahh yeah I see. You’re probably right, although a lot of those guys did look alike haha. Thanks for watching so closely!

[@travis303]

Did Delano want to be annexed or was if a forced thing?

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Good question that I don’t know. It might have just made sense for them to do it eventually so it could take advantage of being part of Wichita.

[@travis303]

It would be great if during the great pancake race you could go to liberal and profile liberal and a bit of history of the race.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I would love to do that! I always like visiting that area too.

[@DRay-or4tc]

Great vid! I was aware of all of your history lesson, except for “Running of the Doves”. Rowdy times indeed. : )

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! Yeah that’s an epic story. I’ve had some people tell me we should start it up again 😂😂