Antonino Explorations
Learn more about Antonino by following the links below:
Ghost Town of ChetolahAddress:
About this Exploration: The ghost town of Chetolah, southwest of Antonino, began in 1888 as a service center for the Butterfield Overland Despatch (B.O.D.). A livery stable and store once existed, as well as a hotel known for its quality pies and bean soup. In
1893, a miner H.P. Artz claimed to have discovered gold near Chetolah,
prompting a rush of settlers to southern Ellis County. When most of the "gold"
turned out to be iron pyrite, the mining shafts and the Chetolah townsite were
soon abandoned. Some of the lumber
from the gold mills was later used in construction of the original Antonino
church in 1905. Directions: 3 mile
west of Antonino and turn left (south) on 180th Avenue. Proceed 3 miles south on 180th Avenue to Chetolah Gold Road. Near
the area where the Smoky Hill River crosses 180th and north of
Chetolah, Gold Road is the location of this former town. The area is not marked, and ruins are
not easily seen from the road, but look for the concrete remains near the river
and bridge area.
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Larry Reichert Hays, KS 67601 Phone: 785.625.5386 Paulette Reichert Hays, KS 67601 Phone: 785.623.4561 |