National Register Listings in
Ford County, Kansas

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot Besse Hotel Burr House Cato District No. 4 School Colonial Fox Theatre Convenanter Church Crawford County Courthouse Dodge City Downtown Historic District Dodge City Municipal Building Dodge City Public Library Farmers National Bank First Methodist Episcopal Church First Presbyterian Church Fourth and Broadway Historic District Franklin Sidewalk Frisco Freight Depot Girard Carnegie Library Gray, William R., Photography Studio and Residence Henderson, Sarah L., House Hennessy Hall, Saint Mary of the Plains Campus Hotel Stilwell Hudgeon Bridge Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Larabee, Nora E., Memorial Library Leonard, J.T and Anna, House Little Walnut Creek Bowstring Lora Locke Hotel Martin Cemetery Mueller-Schmidt House Pittsburg Public Library Raymond, J.E., House S-W Supply Company Sacred Heart Cathedral Santa Fe Trail Ruts Santa Fe Trail-Ford County Segment 2 Spickard, Joseph L., House St. John's Episcopal Church State Bank of Girard Washington Grade School Wayland, Julius A., House Whitesitt-Shirk Historic District
In Kansas, we grow good wheat. We also grow good people.
Sam Brownback in Speech at Kansas State Capitol
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.