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Dodge City, Kansas

Dodge City, Kansas

Dodge City's history began with the establishment of Fort Dodge in 1865. The fort was an active military post until 1882. Its purpose was to protect wagon rains on the Santa Fe Trail and to serve as a supply base for troops involved in Indian wars to the south. Fort Dodge has been a Kansas State Soldier's Home since 1889.

Dodge City was founded in 1872 just west of the military reservation. It quickly became a trade center fro buffalo hunters and travelers. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad reached Dodge City in September of 1872 and the town's continued existence was assured. For the first few years there was no local law enforcement and the military had no jurisdiction over the town, so lawlessness reigned. Arguments between buffalo hunters, railroad workers, drifters and soldiers quickly led to shootings and created a need for a local burial ground -- Boot Hill Cemetery.

The buffalo were gone by 1876, but a new source of revenue for Dodge City soon came in the form of Longhorn cattle from Texas. During the next ten years, over five million head were driven up the western branch of the Chisholm Trail and the Western Trail to Dodge City. Cowboys from the cattle drives, many of whom were former Confederate soldiers, and the soldiers from Fort Dodge were kept away from each other and from the respectable people of Dodge City by such peace officers as Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman, Charlie Basset and others. Today the beef cattle industry is still vitally important to the town's economy.

In 1874 a hardy winter wheat called "Turkey Red" was introduced into Kansas which quickly turned most of the state from grazing land to crop land. As the town grew, the "wild west" slowly disappeared. Boot Hill was gone by 1880, in 1882 the fort was closed and in 1885 the cattle drives stopped. An illustrious period of history was over but the legend lives on in Dodge City's historic preservation of its romantic and internationally famous past.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Gunfighters Wax Museum

Visit the Gunfighters Wax museum and see the life-size wax figurines of famous western personalities like Wyatt Earp, Bat Matserson, Doc Holliday, Belle Starr, Davey Crockett, Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, Frank and Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Doc, Miss Kitty, Festus and many, many more!

Dodge City, KS Museums

Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge was established April 10, 1865 by Captain Henry Pierce, 11th Kansas Cavalry, by order of Major General Grenville M. Dodge, commanding the department. Although there is some doubt, the post was probably named for Colonel Henry Dodge, 1st U. S. Dragoons.

Dodge City, KS Forts

Fort Dodge Cemetery

Both civilians and soldiers were buried in the military cemetery. The saying then was "the rich are buried at the Fort and the cowhands and poor are buried on Boot Hill or gone to "hell." Friends and family buried Marshal Ed Masterson, Bat's brother, at Fort Dodge in 1878

Dodge City, KS Cemeteries

Wright Park Free Zoo

Come to Wright Park Free Zoo for a relaxing, laid back day with your family and friends. Wright Park, the city's oldest park (1889), offers playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas and plenty of beautiful space.

Dodge City, KS Zoos

Mueller-Schmidt House Museum

Built in 1881, the Mueller-Schmidt House is the oldest Dodge City house still standing on its original site, and remains Ford County's "Home of Stone," A Cattleman's Mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was built with 21

Dodge City, KS Museums

Things to do near Dodge City, KS

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The Mormon Batallion

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Hamilton State Fishing Lake

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