These four shell buttons were excavated in 1966 by Kansas Historical Society archeologists at historic Fort Hays in Ellis County. Two are small four hole sew through buttons, one of which has a raised center. Both were likely used for children's clothing. Two are larger two hole sew through buttons, one with a slightly raised center and the other with a recessed center. These were likely used for ladies clothing. Fort Hays was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and is a State Historic Site.