When someone asks where I’m from and I reply Dodge City one of two things come out of their mouth next.
“Do they still ride horses down the street?” or “Is it as windy as they say?”
Often I reply no to the horses, and yes to the wind. We’re the windiest city in the United States. And we still have the cattle that made Dodge City, Kansas, famous.
City history
Founded in 1872 five miles west of Fort Dodge on the edge of the military reservation, Dodge City soon became a spot for buffalo hunters and travelers to stop along the Santa Fe Trail. In September 1872, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad came to town and so did the people. The town soon set growth records.
During this time, Dodge City was mecca for buffalo hunters to sell buffalo hides, which were shipped out on rail cars. An estimated 850,000 buffalo hides were shipped from Dodge City in the years 1872 to 1874. By 1875, the buffalo herds were gone, decimated by mass slaughter.
Cattle drives took over about the same time as the buffalo disappeared with Dodge City on the western branch of both the Chisholm and Western Trails. For 10 years, more than 5 million head of longhorns were driven to town. Lawmen called Dodge City home at this time, including the likes of Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Bill Tilghman and Charlie Bassett. In 1876 the population was 1,200 people and 19 businesses were licensed to sell liquor. Fort Dodge closed in 1882 and by 1886 the cattle drives had ended.
Present day
In present day Dodge City, there are about 28,000 people, and it’s not nearly as wild and lawless as it once was. We have numerous events throughout the year ranging from rodeos, concerts, sporting events and much more. An 11-day summer event—Dodge City Days—brings in some of the best rodeo cowboys and cowgirls to compete at the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, and visitors to many events during the festival. More than 100,000 people visit the city each year.
It’s taken some time to get to where we are, and growth has been painful at times. A number of historic downtown buildings were removed for street improvements and development of U.S. Highway 50/Wyatt Earp Boulevard. During the 1970s “revitalization” took out some of the historic buildings in the downtown area. Now in 2018 the down town area is thriving again. A brewery, distillery and other new businesses provide entertainment and get people into the area. There’s also a water park and new additions to the district.
Museum
Boot Hill Museum has been a big draw to Dodge City. It started as a community service project in 1947 and was staffed by volunteers for the first 10 years. In 1958 construction of the historic Front Street began, with more buildings added in 1964 and 1970. The latest addition is a former Catholic church from Bucklin, Kansas, that was installed in 2004 and renovations were complete in 2009. During 2003 and 2004 the original 1947 museum building was completely renovated. It features the “People of the Plains” including the Plains Indians, Forts and Railroads, Buffalo Hunters, Cattle Industry, Santa Fe Trail, Victorian Clothing, Last Dodge City Marshal and Hollywood exhibits.
My thoughts
As a kid I was proud to be from Dodge City. Blame it on my agricultural roots, but we’re home to many agricultural industries that provide many jobs to people who are far removed from the farm. Beef packing houses, a cooperative and feedmill, a fertilizer plant, a nitrogen plant and more businesses have changed the landscape from what it once was, but we’re growing and thriving.
My parents farmed northwest of Dodge City, and didn’t stray far from their roots. My dad, Valere, grew up here and never really went too far from home. Mom was from the Spearville, Kansas, area and has made Dodge City her home. My sisters and I all live and work in the area, too.
In my time as a Ford County resident, Dodge City has changed—both good and bad at times—but like a lot of towns, it’s the people who make it home. From the teachers at the schools to the people working at the stores I frequent, to the events like the Roundup Rodeo or the Ford County Fair. As much as things have changed, things have remained mostly the same in my hometown. As an adult I’m still proud to be from Dodge City. Don’t get the heck out of Dodge, but instead, “Get the heck into Dodge!”
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
Claim to fame
- Boot Hill
- Wyatt Earp
- Dodge City Roundup Rodeo
- Cattle Drives
