DODGE CITY

1871 was the year the first sod house was established on what is present day Dodge City. Henry L. Sitler constructed this house for his cattle operation. A year later the city of Dodge City was established. This same year the construction of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad was visible in the area.

Mainly buffalo hunters and traders were the first to migrate to this area. The area was known as the buffalo capital until the herds diminished from over hunting.

Dodge City was the decision point on the choice of two trails. People were attracted to Dodge City from all over the country as it was known as the end of the frontier. Mr. Sitler stated; "If you stood on the hill above Dodge City, there was traffic as far as you could see, 24-hours a day, seven days a week on the Santa Fe Trail" (FCHS). This would explain why such lasting evidence can still be seen today.

Fort Dodge was named after a Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge after it opened in 1865. The fort was established when the need of a fort was great with the wagon trains that moved through the area bound for New Mexico. Fort Dodge was located where the dry route of the Santa Fe Trail intersected with the wet route. In June of 1882 Fort Dodge was deserted and remaining troops were sent to Fort Reno, Fort Supply, and Fort Elliot, Texas so they could remain close to the Indian reservations. In 1886 the area where Fort Dodge was located was open for settlement (FCHS).

DODGE CITY

FORT DODGE