Dedication ceremony set for relocated Elizabeth Polly statue at Historic Fort Hays
The legendary 'Blue Light Lady' monument moves to the historic site after standing at its previous location since 1982
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Sign up freeA limestone sculpture honoring Hays' legendary "Blue Light Lady" will be dedicated at its new permanent home at Historic Fort Hays during a public ceremony set for 4 p.m. Sept. 26.
The monument of Elizabeth Polly, carved by local artist Pete Felten, stood in a green space near 26th Street and Indian Trail from 1982 until the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays raised funds to relocate it to the more visible historic site at 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alternate. Historic Fort Hays site administrator Adam Conkey said the relocation provides an opportunity to honor Polly — who died during an 1867 cholera epidemic after volunteering to nurse sick soldiers at the fort — not just as a local legend, but as an enduring symbol of sacrifice and community resilience.
Polly, the young wife of fort hospital steward Ephraim Polly, earned a full military funeral for her bravery, and her wish to be buried on Sentinel Hill later spawned generations of folklore about a blue-clad figure roaming the area. While a new plaque and the upcoming ceremony will acknowledge the local legend, organizers say the event focuses on recognizing Polly's real-world compassion alongside the noted Hays artist who immortalized her in stone.
Following the dedication, attendees are invited to celebrate the statue's new home, learn more about the fort's pioneer history, and enjoy live music from the band 80 Proof Alice.
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