National Register Listing

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot

a.k.a. 057-1370-0019

E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, KS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
  A brief timeline of the history of Santa Fe Railway

  • 1859: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad Company is founded in Kansas, with the goal of connecting the towns of Atchison and Topeka.

  • 1863: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico, completing its initial transcontinental route.

  • 1880: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company is formed through a merger with the Southern Kansas Railway Company.

  • 1883: The Santa Fe Railway completes its second transcontinental line, reaching Los Angeles, California. This expansion enables the railway to connect the Midwest and Southwest to the Pacific Coast.

  • 1893: The California Limited, a luxury passenger train, begins service on the Santa Fe Railway, offering a high standard of travel for affluent passengers.

  • 1901: The Grand Canyon Railway, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, is established to provide transportation to the Grand Canyon National Park.

  • 1926: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the Super Chief, a luxurious all-Pullman sleeping car train that becomes known as the "Train of the Stars" due to its popularity among Hollywood celebrities.

  • 1934: The Santa Fe Railway launches the Chief, another premier passenger train, offering a more affordable option than the Super Chief but still maintaining a high level of service.

  • 1948: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the El Capitan, a streamliner passenger train that becomes famous for its distinctive "Warbonnet" red and silver paint scheme.

  • 1967: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway changes its official name to the Santa Fe Railway.

  • 1995: The Santa Fe Railway merges with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF). This merger creates one of the largest railroad systems in the United States.

  • 1996: The Santa Fe Railway is officially absorbed into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), marking the end of the Santa Fe Railway as an independent entity.

Today, the Santa Fe Railway's legacy lives on through the continued operation of many of its routes by BNSF, as well as its historical significance in the development of the American West and its iconic role in passenger train travel.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The famous abolitionist John Brown made a name for himself in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas era by leading raids against pro-slavery settlers.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.