Codell, a community that has survived more than most, erected a memorial that was dedicated  May 20, 2018 — on the 100th anniversary of the third of three tornadoes that struck the town three years in a row.

The deadly F4 tornado that hit Codell in 1918 killed 10 people, injured more and swept away the town’s churches, school and larger commercial buildings. It was preceded by an F2 tornado in 1916 and an F3 on the same date in 1917, both of which caused property damage.

Nowhere else in the world has a weather phenomena like Codell’s been recorded.   

Two sculptors from the Fort Hays State University art department created the unique memorial sculpture, which was paid for by grant funds. It now serves as a centerpiece for the town.