Our Story:
The History of the Underground
Beneath the streets (or more accurately, the sidewalks) of Ellinwood, Kansas, lies a hidden tunnel system that holds tales of a bygone era. The Ellinwood Underground Tunnel System offers a glimpse into the town's rich history and the enterprising spirit of its early settlers.
A Glimpse into the Past
Ellinwood’s story began in the 1860s when settlers arrived, drawn by the steady flow of travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. By 1871, a trading post had been established at a bend in the Arkansas River, and just a year later, the town was officially named when a post office was created. That same year, George M. Jackson, an agent with the Arkansas Valley Town Company, platted the town, laying it out as a single square mile with a two-block business district—a layout that remains unchanged today. As the town took shape, land agents set off across Europe, enticing settlers to Kansas with brochures that painted an idyllic picture of the state. According to these enticing promotions, winters were mild with only a dusting of snow, summers never climbed above 85 degrees, and the region boasted an astonishing nine feet of rich topsoil. One particularly imaginative agent even claimed the air smelled like champagne. In addition to these tempting descriptions, settlers were offered 160 acres of land to homestead, making Ellinwood an irresistible destination for many German immigrants seeking new opportunities.
Ellinwood’s early settlers, primarily from Southern Germany, brought more than just their culture and traditions—they brought their architectural ingenuity. Inspired by the towns of Bavaria, they designed Main Street with basements beneath every building, just as they had back home. Instead of entering from inside the buildings, staircases led down through the sidewalks to underground walkways, creating a hidden network beneath the town. This design, deeply rooted in Southern German tradition, allowed businesses to operate seamlessly below street level, much like the underground shopping districts of Bavaria. Over time, these tunnels became an essential part of Ellinwood’s identity, serving as barbershops, bathhouses, saloons, and storage spaces. What began as a practical extension of European architecture evolved into a remarkable underground city—one that still captivates visitors today.
Land agents set to Europe spinning tales of mild Kansas weather with summer heat never above 85°F, a rare dusting of snow and air smelling of champagne. It didn't hurt that they were offering 160 acres of land, too.
A Subterranean Marketplace
The underground passages housed a variety of businesses catering primarily to men, including barbershops, bathhouses, saloons, and even brothels. This design allowed patrons to navigate the town discreetly. The men from cattle drivers, and later, railroad workers, could conduct their business in the Underground, while Ellinwood residents could go about their lives undisturbed by the transient workers. During Prohibition, these hidden venues became especially significant, offering clandestine spaces for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The End of an Era
In the 1920s, the City of Ellinwood underwent a major transformation, replacing its old wooden sidewalks with the first concrete walkways and laying down the brick streets that still line the town today. These improvements modernized the bustling business district, but time eventually took its toll. By the late 1970s, decades of wear had left the sidewalks sagging and cracking, prompting the city to undertake another major renovation. However, this time, the historic underground tunnels—once a vital part of Ellinwood’s unique character—were seen as more of a liability than an asset. In an effort to eliminate them, crews bricked up the doors and windows, then brought in tractors to demolish the old sidewalks, sending chunks of concrete crashing into the tunnels below. Sand and gravel were poured in to fill the empty spaces, and new sidewalks were laid on top, sealing much of the underground network beneath the surface. Though much of Ellinwood’s tunnel system was lost during this project, some portions were preserved, thanks to Adrianna Dierhof.
Adrianna Dierhof
In the 1970s, as Ellinwood’s underground tunnels faced destruction, one determined woman stood in the way—Adrianna Dierhof. As the owner of the historic Dick Building, which she had inherited from her family, Adriana understood the tunnels’ historical significance and fought tirelessly to preserve them. Her grandfather, Mat Dick, had been one of the building’s original owners, and she was determined to honor his legacy by saving this vital piece of Ellinwood’s past.
While the City of Ellinwood viewed the tunnels as a liability and pushed to have them filled in, Adrianna took action. She successfully placed the Dick Building on the State Historic Register, ensuring that the tunnels in front of it would be protected from demolition. Meanwhile, another piece of the underground network—the tunnels outside the Historic Wolf Hotel—was also saved. Because this area fell under the jurisdiction of the State of Kansas rather than the city, officials opted not to fill them in, preventing the loss of yet another key section of Ellinwood’s subterranean history.
At one time, cities across Kansas—including Wichita, Newton, McPherson, Ellsworth, Lyons, Hutchinson, Stafford, and Great Bend—boasted tunnel systems similar to Ellinwood’s. However, most were lost to time, urban development, and city-led demolitions. Thanks to Adrianna Dierhof’s unwavering dedication, Ellinwood remains the only place where visitors can explore these underground passageways in nearly their original condition, offering a rare and immersive glimpse into a hidden world beneath the town’s historic streets.