If you are interested in gaining insight into the population and steets of Dodge City, Kansas, then read on. We'll cover local attractions and the latest demographic data. The city is a small, yet vibrant community with a diverse array of cultures. From authentic prairies to the hangman's tree, Dodge City has something for everyone. Take a look at our Dodge City guides to find the perfect fit for you.
The first settlement in the area that would become Dodge City was Fort Mann, built by civilians in 1847 to provide for protection for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. In 1848, the fort collapsed following an Indian attack, so the U.S. Army erected Fort Atkinson on the site of Fort Mann. However, the fort was abandoned in 1853, and military forces along the Santa Fe Trail returned to Fort Larned. For many years, the area around Dodge City was vacant, untouched and undeveloped.
The railroad, which was constructed in 1872, brought more travelers to the region, and helped the town grow dramatically. Thousands of cattle passed through the city's stockyards, making Dodge City a boomtown. By 1872, the Santa Fe Railroad reached the town and settlers began to settle the town. George M. Hoover opened the town's first bar, a tent, to cater to thirsty soldiers on the Fort Dodge Reservation.