City Information
Wellsville, located in the northeast corner of Franklin County, Kansas was once known as the "English Blue Grass Capitol" of the world for its production of grass seed. The community was once part of the land ceded to and then reacquired from the Shawnee Indians.
The town site of Wellsville was laid out in the fall of 1869 by Messrs. Shoot, Root and Wells of Chicago. The town was named after Mr. Wells of the company.
The old bank building at 418 Main was the town's first brick edifice, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovated home at 113 E. 5th, just east of Main, was the former Barabeau Hotel, the first building in Wellsville. Several early homes exist. Of note is the Hostetter home at the end of north Main.
Wellsville is the home of renowned artist, Elizabeth "Grandma" Layton.
