Ford County, Kansas
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot
Burr House
Dodge City Downtown Historic District
Dodge City Municipal Building
Dodge City Public Library
Hennessy Hall, Saint Mary of the Plains Campus
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Lora Locke Hotel
Mueller-Schmidt House
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Santa Fe Trail Ruts
Santa Fe Trail-Ford County Segment 2
A Fine Country
Boot Hill
Boot Hill Cemetery
Campsite of the U.S. Survey Team Sept. 10-21, 1825
Carnegie Library Building
Cemetery
Charles Rath
Commanding Officer's Quarters
Dennis Weaver
Dodge City, a frontier legend
Dodge City, a railroad town
Dodge City, full of excitement
El Capitan
Enlisted Men's Barracks
Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge - Camp Supply Military Road
From 'Cattle Capital' to modern city
Gene Barry
George M. Hoover
H.B. (Ham) Bell
Hospital
Hugh O'Brian
Longhorn cattle arrive
Milburn Stone
My Trails Have Become Your Highways
On the Ashes of My Campfire This City is Built
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
Storehouse
Sutler Store
The 100th Meridian, Where East Meets West
The Boot Hill Cemetery Site
The Reading Garden
The Road to Santa Fe
The Worst Piece of Road
Trails on the Prairie
Veterans Memorial
Wagnor Memorial Fountain
Wild and woolly Front Street
Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp
"Big Nose Kate"
"Doc" Holliday
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.
Brief timeline of 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.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ford County, Kansas.