You’ll find Army City‘s remains near Fort Riley, Kansas, where it briefly flourished as a military support town from 1917 to 1922. Originally called Kellyville, H.P. Powers renamed it Army City when Camp Funston was established during World War I. The town supported 50,000 troops with theaters, restaurants, and essential services, growing to 3,000 residents. Though it lasted only five years, this ghost town‘s concrete foundations tell a fascinating story of wartime Kansas.
Key Takeaways
- Army City emerged in 1917 near Fort Riley, Kansas, growing to 3,000 residents before becoming abandoned after World War I.
- The town served 50,000 troops at Camp Funston with entertainment venues, housing, and essential services during wartime operations.
- Originally named Kellyville, H.P. Powers purchased and renamed it Army City to reflect its military-focused purpose.
- The abandoned site featured theaters, churches, and a four-block business district designed specifically for military personnel.
- Army City’s infrastructure included concrete roads, a cylindrical water tower, and military-themed street names before its decline.
The Birth of a Military Town
When World War I demanded rapid military expansion in 1917, Army City emerged as a strategic commercial settlement on the Fort Riley military reservation to support the newly established Camp Funston.
Initially named Kellyville, entrepreneur H.P. Powers renamed it Army City, while A.D. Jellison’s trust company orchestrated its financing and development. The military strategy behind its location was clear – you’d find it perfectly positioned near the nation’s geographic center, with vital access to major rail lines. The town quickly developed into a bustling hub with sixteen divisional cantonments.
The community dynamics took shape through carefully planned commercial development, as investors snapped up auctioned lots for stores, shops, and theaters. Like the later Sunflower Ordnance Works that employed twelve thousand workers, Army City experienced rapid growth to meet wartime demands.
Streets bearing names of military ranks and prominent figures created a patriotic atmosphere that complemented Camp Funston’s massive 2,000-acre presence, where over 50,000 troops would eventually train.
From Kellyville to Army City
You’ll find that Kellyville’s transformation began when H.P. Powers purchased the land and strategically renamed it Army City to reflect its military purpose.
The town’s new identity took shape through A.D. Jellison’s carefully planned layout, featuring streets named after military figures and ranks like General Allen Street and Major Street. The Kansas National Guard played a vital role in supporting these military communities through its state defense operations.
Under Jellison’s vision, Army City quickly evolved from a simple settlement into a commercial hub designed to serve the 50,000 trainees at Camp Funston. During World War II, this area became crucial as new military facilities were established throughout Kansas.
A Strategic Name Change
The strategic renaming of Kellyville to Army City in 1917 marked a pivotal shift in the town’s identity and purpose. When entrepreneur H. P. Powers acquired the property, he recognized the opportunity to strengthen its connection to the expanding military presence at Camp Funston.
The name significance went beyond mere branding strategy – it symbolized the town’s transformation into a dedicated service hub for military personnel. Located in eastern Kansas, the area reflected the region’s characteristic rolling hills and forests typical of that portion of the state.
You’ll find that this calculated name change helped attract businesses and buyers while establishing a clear military association. Under the financial guidance of the Jellison Trust Company, Army City’s development incorporated military-themed street names and amenities designed specifically for soldiers.
The renaming effectively positioned the town as an essential support center for the massive training operations at nearby Fort Riley.
Military Identity Takes Shape
Transforming Kellyville into Army City involved more than just a name change – it represented a complete reimagining of the settlement’s purpose and character. The military architecture and community dynamics were carefully crafted to serve the massive influx of troops at nearby Camp Funston. With its proximity to Fort Riley’s cavalry, the town was strategically positioned to support multiple branches of military operations. The development coincided with the construction of Camp Funston facilities that would house up to 50,000 men.
- Streets received patriotic names like General Allen Street and Lincoln Avenue, reflecting the town’s martial spirit.
- A.D. Jellison oversaw the strategic layout that prioritized access to Camp Funston.
- Commercial spaces were auctioned by H.P. Powers to create a support network for 50,000+ soldiers.
- Entertainment venues and essential services were positioned to serve both military and civilian needs.
You’ll find this transformation created a unique civilian-military interface, where every aspect of planning reinforced Army City’s role as a crucial support hub for World War I mobilization efforts.
Jellison’s Vision Unfolds
Under A.D. Jellison’s leadership, the Jellison Trust Company transformed a small town called Kellyville into what you’d know as Army City. His vision extended beyond mere profit – he created a carefully planned community with military-themed street names like General Allen Street and Lincoln Avenue.
You’ll find that Jellison’s design centered on a four-block business district, attracting entrepreneurs who quickly established theaters, shops, and recreational facilities. Similar to Fort Mann’s layout, the town featured buildings arranged in a rectangular pattern with a central gathering area. During World War I, the town served thousands of soldiers training at Camp Funston, which could accommodate up to 50,000 troops.
The community dynamics reflected a blend of civilian and military life, with essential services provided by organizations like the YMCA and YWCA.
You’d have seen a thriving town of 3,000 residents at its peak, complete with Sunday religious services and a post office established in March 1918.
Jellison’s master plan successfully positioned Army City as the go-to destination for soldiers from Camp Funston.
Layout and Infrastructure
Designed by A.D. Jellison in 1917, Army City’s street organization and infrastructure design reflected a purposeful military efficiency.
Army City’s precise layout, crafted by A.D. Jellison, embodied military precision in every street and structure.
You’ll find streets named after military figures, with a grid system that maximized access between commercial areas and Camp Funston.
The town’s core infrastructure included:
- A prominent cylindrical water tower serving both military and civilian needs
- Concrete sidewalks and roads built for heavy vehicle traffic
- Commercial zones with auto repair shops and stores
- Municipal buildings including a City Hall (1936) and fire department
You can trace the town’s practical layout through its connection to Fort Riley’s reservation boundaries and nearby highways.
The infrastructure supported a large transient military population, with every element from roads to utilities designed for seamless integration with Camp Funston’s operations.
Like many Kansas ghost towns, Army City’s infrastructure gradually deteriorated after World War II when economic and social changes led to its decline.
Life During Wartime
If you’d visited Army City during World War I, you’d have seen thousands of soldiers from Camp Funston‘s training facilities filling the town’s streets between drills and duties.
You’d have found these troops seeking entertainment at the town’s theaters and shops, which provided much-needed leisure activities during their intense preparation for overseas combat.
The military’s housing operations at Camp Funston accommodated over 50,000 soldiers in approximately 1,400 buildings, creating a constant flow of personnel through Army City’s commercial district.
Military Housing Operations
As World War I demanded rapid military expansion in 1917, Army City emerged adjacent to Camp Funston to address the urgent housing needs of over 50,000 troops stationed at Fort Riley.
The unprecedented housing demand led to rapid development as lots were auctioned for both residential and commercial construction to support military personnel.
- The 164th Depot Brigade managed troop accommodations while processing and training enlisted men and draftees.
- Streets received military-themed names to reflect the community’s close connection to Fort Riley.
- Originally named Kellyville, the town was renamed Army City to emphasize its military purpose.
- Housing and commercial facilities complemented the training and demobilization activities at Camp Funston.
The development represented a significant shift toward standardized military construction, balancing efficiency with the practical needs of a rapidly growing wartime population.
Entertainment For The Troops
While soldiers trained rigorously at Camp Funston, Army City’s bustling entertainment district provided essential leisure activities to boost troop morale during World War I.
You’d find major theaters like the Orpheum, Hippodrome, and Gaiety offering both movies and live shows. The district buzzed with soldier performances at bowling alleys, pool halls, and an arcade filled with refreshment booths.
Beyond commercial venues, you could attend events organized by the YMCA, YWCA, and local churches. The military’s entertainment tradition, dating back to Civil War camp shows, flourished here with touring productions and talent competitions.
Army Entertainment programs brought classical plays and diverse performances to the troops, while the camp’s dedicated facilities hosted everything from musicals to drama. This morale-boosting entertainment created a crucial balance to wartime duties.
Economic Impact and Development
Founded in 1917, Army City, Kansas emerged as a direct response to the establishment of Camp Funston at Fort Riley, creating a unique military-civilian economic ecosystem.
You’ll find entrepreneur H.P. Powers and the Jellison Trust Company spearheaded the town’s development, focusing on economic sustainability through strategic urban planning and commercial growth.
- The business district stretched four blocks, offering extensive services from retail to entertainment.
- Population swelled to 3,000, consisting of merchants, workers, and military families.
- Infrastructure included theaters, restaurants, pool halls, and essential services.
- Urban resilience efforts included establishing post offices, YMCA facilities, and churches.
The town’s rapid development showcased the dynamic relationship between military presence and local commerce, though its economic fate remained inextricably tied to Camp Funston’s wartime operations.
The Camp Funston Connection
Located just outside Fort Riley’s boundaries, Camp Funston emerged in 1917 as one of America’s largest World War I training facilities, establishing itself as Army City‘s lifeline and primary reason for existence.
The camp’s rapid construction transformed 2,000 acres into a bustling military complex, housing over 50,000 soldiers and featuring 1,400 buildings.
You’ll find that Camp Funston’s massive scope demanded extensive support services, which Army City enthusiastically provided.
The camp’s thorough military training programs, including the 89th Division and 92nd Division, drew trainees from across the Great Plains.
With its $10 million infrastructure investment, including everything from barracks to entertainment venues, Camp Funston created an unprecedented economic opportunity for Army City, making the town’s fate inextricably linked to the camp’s military operations.
A Town’s Brief Existence
As World War I intensified in 1917, A.D. Jellison’s trust company launched a rapid development that would become one of America’s most notable transient communities.
You’d have witnessed Army City emerge from nothing to a bustling wartime economy supporting Camp Funston, complete with:
- Essential utilities including water, sewer, and electricity from Rocky Ford Dam
- Two full business blocks completed by October 1917
- A post office established in April 1917 under W.D. Jellison
- Entertainment venues operated by Parker Amusement Company
The town’s streets honored military figures and ranks, while businesses flourished serving soldiers and their families.
But you couldn’t hold onto prosperity forever – when Camp Funston’s training activities slowed after the war, Army City’s fate was sealed.
Legacy and Historical Importance
Despite its brief existence, Army City left an indelible mark on Kansas military history through its essential support of Camp Funston, one of America’s largest World War I training facilities.
Today, you’ll find this ghost town’s legacy woven into Kansas’s rich military heritage, where it once housed significant businesses serving over 50,000 soldiers during the Great War.
Army City’s bustling streets once served thousands of World War I soldiers, leaving an enduring mark on Kansas’s military past.
The town’s innovative urban planning, with streets named after military figures, showcased early 20th-century designs for military support communities.
You can trace Army City’s influence in how it shaped regional development and demonstrated the strategic importance of Kansas in America’s wartime mobilization.
While the buildings are gone, Army City’s story continues to illuminate the powerful connection between military installations and their surrounding communities during times of national crisis.
What Remains Today
The remnants of Army City stand as silent witnesses to its wartime past, with only scattered structural ruins and overgrown pathways marking its former location.
Today’s remnants assessment reveals a landscape largely reclaimed by nature, where visual decay dominates the once-bustling military town.
If you visit the site, you’ll find:
- Deteriorating foundations and partial walls where buildings once stood
- Traces of original streets, now covered by grass and vegetation
- Former railroad beds that once transported troops and supplies
- A few historical markers identifying the town’s significant locations
While most structures have disappeared completely, you can still discern the town’s layout through aerial views.
The ghostly remains serve as a stark reminder of Army City’s brief but significant role in American military history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to A.D. Jellison After Army City Was Abandoned?
You’ll find A.D. Jellison’s legacy thrived as he led Central National Bank until 1966, chaired the Red Cross, founded the Jellison Benevolent Society, and supported education through the Kansas State 4-H Foundation.
Were There Any Schools or Churches Established in Army City?
You won’t find any documented schools or churches in Army City’s history. Records don’t show these institutions were established, as military personnel likely relied on Fort Riley’s facilities for education and worship.
How Did Local Native American Tribes Interact With Army City?
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – Native tribes, particularly the Kaw and Osage, engaged in limited cultural exchange and trade relations with Army City while serving as military scouts and maintaining spiritual connections.
What Was the Average Cost of Rent in Army City?
You won’t find exact average rental prices for Army City, as historical records don’t document specific costs. Given the high housing availability demand near Camp Funston in 1917-1918, rents likely commanded premium rates.
Did Any Famous Personalities or Soldiers Visit Army City?
While you won’t find records of famous visitors to Army City itself, the most notable soldier story involves Captain Lewis J. Whistler, who tragically robbed the local bank and died by suicide in 1918.
References
- https://dianastaresinicdeane.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/columbia-a-kansas-ghost-town-story/
- https://legendsofkansas.com/army-city-kansas/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pawnee
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyBXD18P_j4
- https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2022-04-09/ghost-towns-are-all-around-kansas-city-if-you-know-where-to-look
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_Army_Ammunition_Plant
- https://www.kspatriot.org/index.php/articles/18-kansas-military-history/458-forts-in-early-kansas.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfax_Field
- https://www.visitkc.com/articles/military-tours/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_forts_and_posts
