Historical Markers in
Ford County, Kansas

A Brief History of the 788th Company [CCC] A Brief History of the Growth of the National Wildlife Refuge System A Fine Country… Alexander Howat All American Veterans American Legion Post 26 Veterans Memorial Appeal to Reason Arma Veterans Memorial Bennefeld VFW Post 7479 War Memorial Boot Hill Boot Hill Cemetery Buffalo Cupola & Forge Blower C.C.C. Volunteer Campsite of the U.S. Survey Team Sept. 10-21, 1825 Carnegie Library Carnegie Library Building Carney Hall Cemetery Chandler Hall Charles Rath Church Bell from St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Civil War Memorial Coal Mine Hoist Commanding Officer's Quarters Cow Creek Skirmish Crocker Cemetery Veterans Memorial Cultivating America’s Bread Basket Dennis Weaver Dodge City, a frontier legend Dodge City, a railroad town Dodge City, full of excitement Dr. Paul B. Leffler Rotary Park Dragline Bucket Education El Capitan Enlisted Men's Barracks Equipment Farmers National Bank First State Bank of Girard Fort Dodge Fort Dodge Fort Dodge - Camp Supply Military Road Franklin - Arma Sidewalk Franklin Community Park Sign Franklin Grade School and Playground Franklin School Bell Franklin Sidewalk Frisco Freight/Passenger Depot From 'Cattle Capital' to modern city Frontenac Veterans Honor Roll Frontenac, Kansas Fuller American Legion Post #64 Veterans Memorial G.A.R.-W.R.C. Civil War Memorial Garden of Memories Veterans Memorial Gene Barry George M. Hoover Girard, Kansas Green Elm School, District 41 H. R. Brown's Grocery Store H.B. (Ham) Bell Hard Times Hard Work Helm American Legion Post 182 Veterans Memorial Home on the Range Hospital Hugh O'Brian Immigrant Park Kansas City Southern Locomotive No. 1023 Kansas State Teachers College Navy Mark of Commendation Lake Crawford Longhorn cattle arrive Milburn Stone My Trails Have Become Your Highways On the Ashes of My Campfire This City is Built Pittsburg Kansas Pittsburg State University Gymnasium Pittsburg State University Veteran's Amphitheater Replica of the Statue of Liberty Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe Trail Remains Santa Fe Trail Sites to the East Santa Fe Trail Sites to the West & South Santa Fe Trail, 1821 - 1880 Soule's Ditch Southeast Kansas Coal Mining Storehouse Surviving the Dirty Thirties Sutler Store The 100th Meridian, Where East Meets West The Amazon Army The Beginning The Boot Hill Cemetery Site The Camp of Co. 788 of the Civilian Conservation Corps The Fire Devils The Freedom Tree The Legend of Greenbush The Old Military Road of 1837 The Reading Garden The Road to Santa Fe The Weir - Pittsburg Coalfield The Weir-Pittsburg Coal Field in Cherokee County The Worst Piece of Road Trails on the Prairie Trolley / Street Car Rails Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Wagnor Memorial Fountain Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway Wild and woolly Front Street Wilkinson Coal Company Wilkinson Coal Company Steam Shovel William B. and Athlyn C. Pritchett Work Done By Hand Wyatt Earp Wyatt Earp "Big Nose Kate" "Doc" Holliday "Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial"
Kansas is home to several important Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Ford County is located in southwestern Kansas and was established in 1873. The county was named after Colonel James H. Ford, a prominent military figure during the American Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, before European settlers arrived.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the expansion of the railroad in the late 19th century. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway played a significant role in shaping Ford County's economy and attracting new residents. The introduction of rail transportation brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of towns such as Dodge City.

Dodge City, the county seat and largest city in Ford County, quickly became a center for cattle trading and ranching. During the late 1800s, the city gained fame as a wild and lawless frontier town, known for its numerous saloons, brothels, and notorious outlaws. However, efforts were made to civilize the town, and by the early 20th century, Dodge City had transitioned into a more orderly and prosperous community.

In more recent years, Ford County has experienced growth and diversification in its economy. Agriculture remains an essential component, with crops such as wheat, corn, and sorghum being major contributors. Additionally, the county has seen the development of manufacturing industries, including food processing and automobile parts production. Ford County continues to be a vibrant and dynamic community, preserving its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ford County, Kansas.

  • 1855 - Ford County is officially established as a county in the Kansas Territory.
  • 1873 - Dodge City is founded as the county seat of Ford County.
  • 1875 - The "Dodge City War" erupts, a conflict between lawmen and saloon owners.
  • 1878 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Dodge City, boosting the town's growth.
  • 1882 - The first cattle shipment from Dodge City's stockyards is sent to Eastern markets.
  • 1884 - Dodge City becomes known as the "Wickedest Little City in America" due to its wild and lawless reputation.
  • 1910 - The population of Dodge City reaches its peak at around 4,000 residents.
  • 1925 - The Boot Hill Museum is founded in Dodge City to preserve the town's Wild West history.
  • 1942 - The United States Army establishes the Dodge City Army Airfield during World War II.
  • 1951 - The Dodge City Airport is constructed.
  • 1963 - The Longhorn Building, a historic hotel in Dodge City, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1983 - The Boot Hill Casino & Resort opens in Dodge City.