Grant County map, 1899.

Hickok - An unincorporated small town located along U.S. 160, about seven miles east of Ulysses. Though the town was never as big as others that have long gone extinct, such as Appomattox or Zionville, it remains populated today. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad barreled through the small town in the early 20th Century, which was probably the reason for its existence. The town has no open retail businesses but two large grain elevators tower above Highway 160 on both sides. Somewhere along the line the Cimarron Valley Railroad took over the tracks of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and the trains continue to operate through the town. Several small homes are scattered about the small town, as well as a number of buildings that appear to have held businesses at one time. The small town never had a post office.

The Santa Fe Trail passed about 7 ½ miles south of Hickok. The location is designated with a Daughters of the American Revolution marker. To reach the marker travel south off Highway 160 on Road R, six miles to Road 19, the west 1 ½ miles. The marker sits on the north side of the road.

West of Hickok on the south side of Highway 160 is a residence that was very clearly a school at one time. Behind the building a brick outhouse and playground equipment still stand. We have been unable to identify the school. If you know more about this building, we would love to update our story. Just zap us an email.