Hayes, Washington County, Nebraska Historic Towns: Hayes Historic Towns: Hayes -Courtesy of Washington County Nebraska History, 1980 About 1874, a tiny community called Hayes was established about two miles north of what is now the present site of Bennington. The community consisted of the Post Office, a general store, and a blacksmith shop. Mail was delivered to Hayes by pony, and people in the surrounding area went to Hayes to get their mail. The community was named after President Hayes, but after the establishment of Bennington the community vanished. It was near the county line and can be located on older maps. Back to Top