http://www.fordcountyhistory.org/

Ford County Historical Society, 310 Gunsmoke Street, Dodge City, KS (2025)

12/11/2025

Today in Ford County History!

On December 11, 1942 the United States Army Airbase and Flying School was formally activated. The airfield was one of three B-26 Marauder training bases until the war in Europe came to a close and the last training class graduated in June 1945. The Airbase was closed the following month and some excess buildings and equipment were sold off or transferred to other bases. 2 of the barracks were moved into Dodge City and served as apartment buildings on the corner of 5th and Brier. Little remains of the Airfield today.

12/08/2025

Its always an exciting day when Tim Wenzel releases a new book! A great crowd turned out to the Legacy Center last Friday in support and to get their books autographed by the author himself! Guests enjoyed the extra personal touch as well as some great Christmas cookies and hot cider! Visit us down at the Ford County Legacy Center for ALL of Tim's books and many others to add to your own local history library!

12/05/2025

Thank you, Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas for your generous gift to the Carnegie Center for the Arts. These funds will be used for the purpose of maintaining the building and various projects. If you would like to learn more about the Carnegie or how you can get involved call 620-225-6388. Pictured are Doug Shipe, Ryan Ausmus, and Carol Sinclair.

12/03/2025

🔥 THIS DAY IN FORD COUNTY HISTORY: The Night the "Wooden City" Burned 🔥
December 1, 1885: On a freezing night—cited in some accounts as the late hours of November 30 or the early morning of December 1—disaster struck the heart of Dodge City.
For the second time that year, the business district was in flames.
The fire reportedly began in the Junction Saloon on Front Street. Fanned by biting winter winds, the blaze tore through the district between First and Second Avenues, jumping to Chestnut Street (now Wyatt Earp Blvd) and even leaping across the railroad tracks.
❄️ A Desperate Fight: Dodge City was desperate. With no pressurized water system, citizens formed bucket brigades, frantically hacking at ice to get water. But against the winter wind and dry timber, it wasn’t enough.
💥 The End of an Era: The flames consumed landmark after landmark. The devastation marked the end for the legendary Long Branch Saloon, which was destroyed in the blaze. Other key sites lost included:
Delmonico’s Restaurant
F.C. Zimmermann’s Hardware
Hoover’s Liquor Store
Kelley’s Restaurant (later replaced by the Kelley Opera House)
Collar’s Clothing Store & Shields’ Tin Shop
The Mueller Boot Shop
The Odd Fellows Hall and Globe Journal Offices on Chestnut St.
🧨 A Last-Ditch Effort: Even brick buildings crumbled under the intense heat. In a frantic attempt to stop the spread, Marshal Bill Tilghman and the fire brigade resorted to extreme measures: they used gunpowder to blow up buildings in the fire's path, creating a firebreak to starve the flames.
🏗️ Rising from the Ashes: By morning, the block was a smoking ruin. Approximately 14 businesses were wiped out, with estimated losses of $150,000.
But this catastrophe became a turning point. It forced the "Wickedest City" to finally invest in a modern waterworks system and end the era of the hastily built wooden "boomtown." Dodge City was rebuilt in brick and stone, paving the way for the city we know today. (Pictured is Front Street, Dodge City, mid-1800s, and an 1888 map of Dodge City showing newly constructed brick buildings on Front Street.) Photos provided by the Dodge City Heritage Center. To listen to the full story, go to Wild West Podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/64094/episodes/18295214

12/01/2025

🎉❄️ FIRST FROST FRIDAY IS THIS WEEK! — Friday, December 5th ❄️🎉

We’re kicking off the holiday season early to beat the rush and shine a spotlight on all the amazing events happening throughout Dodge City! From live music and art to pop-ups, treats, and special shopping experiences, there’s something magical happening all around town. ✨🛍️ Support local, explore the festivities, and make it a fun night out in Dodge! 🤩❤️

Here’s what our participating businesses and organizations have going on:

🎨 Carnegie Arts Center
Enjoy their charming Christmas Card Display hung “by the chimney with care.” Winners announced Friday! Stop in for a cozy reception with treats and enjoy beautiful local art. Free event! 🖼️🍪

💚 Pure Beauty
Treat yourself to a warm and cozy holiday pop-up! Enjoy handcrafted matcha from UDALV, festive desserts by Cocina Feliz, and special service + retail deals. A perfect night to relax & shop small. 🍵✨

🌸 Flowers By Irene
Swing by their Holiday Open House for goodies, drinks, and holiday gift shopping. Explore the shop and soak in the seasonal charm! 🎁🌺

🖌️ 2nd Avenue Art Guild
Discover locally made, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts at their Holiday Gift Tables—perfect for holiday gifting. Explore the guild and enjoy incredible local art! 🎨🛍️

📚 Ford County Historical Society
Give the gift of a signed book this season! Meet author Tim Wenzl, hear about his writing process, and get a personalized book for someone special (or yourself!). ✍️🎁

🎂 My Studio
Celebrate 10 Years of My Studio! Join them 5:30–8:30pm for live music, chair massages, eyebrow waxing, a mini photoshoot, a silent auction benefiting the Manna House, and more! 🎶📸💆‍♀️

💄 Salon Exotica
Enjoy a festive night of holiday shopping, sweet treats, and amazing local vendors. Perfect gifts + all the cozy vibes! 🎄🛍️✨

🎓 Dodge City Community College
Stop by the DCCC Student Art Show to celebrate the creativity of their talented artists across ceramics, jewelry, design, drawing, painting & more. A wonderful showcase of student talent! 🎨🌟

🥃 Boot Hill Distillery
Ugly Sweater Party + Holiday Pop-Up Bar! Wear your ugliest sweater for a chance to win prizes at 10pm. Smoking A BBQ will be onsite serving delicious bites! 🍖🎅🎉

☕️ Red Beard Coffee
Join Red Beard Coffee for their annual Cinnamon Roll bake off! Come down and taste free and locally made rolls.

📸 Dodge City Brewing
Come enjoy some landscape photography by Eugene R Thieszen!

❄️✨ Bundle up, grab your friends & family, and enjoy First Frost Friday across Dodge City. Let’s make this holiday season magical — and local! ❤️🎄

11/30/2025

At the Ford County Historical Society, preserving buildings and artifacts is not just about saving old bricks and mortar; it's about preserving the soul of the Ford County communities.
Here’s why preservation matters to us:
1. It’s Tangible History: You can read about the growth of a county in a book, but standing in a room where history occurred creates a connection that words cannot match.
2. It Defines Our Character: Our historic structures and artifacts give Ford County its unique identity, distinguishing us from "Any town, Any-county, USA."
3. It’s an Investment: Heritage tourism drives local and national interest. People from all over the world come to the Legacy Center to see authentic artifacts that showcase contributions from surrounding communities.
When we restore a building, we aren’t just fixing a roof; we are ensuring that the stories of the pioneers, cowboys, and families who built our towns survive for future generations.
By preserving historical artifacts, we protect our shared human story and identity, acting as silent witnesses that connect us to our roots. Losing these treasures erases parts of our history. We must defend them for future generations.
Join us in keeping history standing! 👇 What is your favorite historic building in Ford County or artifact at the Legacy Center? Let us know in the comments!

11/28/2025

🎄 Step Back in Time for a Victorian Christmas in Dodge City! 🕰️
Experience the magic of the holidays on the frontier! The Ford County Historical Society invites you to the annual Home of Stone Christmas Yuletide Tour.
Come see the Mueller-Schmidt House—Dodge City’s oldest building still on its original site—dressed in its holiday best. This is your chance to escape the modern hustle and experience the elegance of an 1881 Christmas.
Event Highlights: ✨ Tour the historic limestone home with vintage holiday decor. ✨ Learn about local history from the Ford County Historical Society. ✨ Enjoy a festive, family-friendly atmosphere and refreshments.
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 🕛 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 📍 Location: 112 E. Vine St., Dodge City 🎟️ Admission: FREE (Donations gratefully accepted)
Bring the whole family to celebrate our local heritage!

11/26/2025

Headline: 📣 EXCITING NEWS: Welcoming Our New Director! 🤠📜
The Ford County Historical Society is thrilled to announce the appointment of Brad Smalley as our new Director!
Preserving the legendary history of Dodge City and Ford County requires a leader with a deep respect for the past and a vision for the future. We are confident that Brad brings the perfect blend of passion and dedication needed to steward our archives, exhibits, and educational programs.
About Brad: Brad is a distinguished local historian, storyteller, and preservationist deeply rooted in the lore of the American West. You may recognize him as: 🎙️ The co-host of the Wild West Podcast, where he has chronicled the complex histories of Dodge City. 🎭 A former manager and performer at the Boot Hill Museum (specifically the Long Branch Saloon), where he mastered the art of bringing history to life.
Brad combines meticulous research with a flair for narrative, ensuring our history is not only preserved but dynamically presented to the next generation.
Come Say Hello! 👋 Please join us in welcoming Brad! We invite all our members and the community to stop by the Ford County Legacy Center Museum to say hello, meet Brad, and see what is new at the Historical Society.

Picture 1 (Left - Brad Smalley Director) (Middle Mary Hendrix, Vice-President) (Right - Kent Stehlik, President FCHS)
Picture 2- (Left - Brad Smalley Director) (Right - Kent Stehlik, President FCHS)

11/25/2025

Today in Ford County History
On this day November 25, 1887, the first train passed through Ford, Kansas, marking a pivotal moment that secured the town's survival over rival Ryansville. The train, part of the Arkansas, Kansas & Colorado Railroad connecting Bucklin to Dodge City, prompted Ryansville to cede to Ford, with merchants relocating their buildings. This connected Ford's rural areas to Dodge City and eastern markets, sparking a boom. Although Dodge City was a railroad hub since 1872, this expansion ended rural isolation, enabling large-scale agriculture export. Key details include the rivalry's end, the economic boost from the train, and the event's significance in closing the southern Ford County frontier.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/64094/episodes/18253329

11/24/2025

📖✨ Mark Your Calendars: Author Tim Wenzl Book Signing! ✨📖
Join us at the Dodge City Legacy Center for an exciting evening with author Tim Wenzl!
This is your chance to meet Tim in person, chat about his work, and get your copy of his book signed. Whether it's a gift for the holidays or a treat for yourself, a signed book is always special!
Event Details:
Who: Author Tim Wenzl
What: Book Signing
Where: Dodge City Legacy Center - 310 Gunsmoke, Dodge City, Kansas
When: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bring a friend and support a fantastic author. We can't wait to see you there!

10/22/2025

Thank you and Farewell J. Anna King for all your good work and insights. Your passion for Ford County and its history are much appreciated. We wish you well.
Ford County Historical Society

Ford County Historical Society

12/11/2025

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12/03/2025

12/01/2025

11/30/2025

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