IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
INTERNATIONAL CHISHOLM TRAIL ASSOCIATION

150th Anniversary Conference Information

The Western Cattle Trail and the International Chisholm Trail Association continue to meet and plan the momentous 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Western Cattle Trail. This is not just a celebration but a significant milestone in our shared history, and we are excited to celebrate it with you. The November Conference to celebrate this historic event will be held in Dodge City, Kansas, at Boot Hill Museum, with a welcome from the Committee at 2:00, Friday, November 1, followed by a slate of speakers. 
The afternoon begins with trailing cattle from south Texas, the King Ranch, a Consortium to bring the cattle trails together and celebrate the anniversary of Adobe Walls' history. The afternoon ends with a chance to sit and visit with old and new friends, listen to some country music, and enjoy some well-earned appetizers at our Meet and Greet.
On Saturday, November 2, the Committee has meticulously curated a special day for you, starting at 8:30. You'll have the exclusive chance to delve into the history of the Northern Cheyenne Indians, rediscover a forgotten cattle trails, witness the last cattle drive, and learn about the art of the cattle trail. This is an exclusive opportunity you won't want to miss, a chance to be part of a historic event that few will experience.
Take advantage of this historic occasion. The Conference fee is $75.00 per person. You can sign up on our website or by mail.
Your participation is not just welcomed; it's crucial to the success of this historic event. The Committee is working tirelessly to plan and collaborate, and your involvement will make this celebration truly memorable. Stay updated on the unfolding events through our website, westerncattletrailassoc.com, Facebook, and Wild West Podcast. Your presence is invaluable, so remember to mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2, 2024. We can't do this without you.

Conference Registration Options

The conference registration form below for the WCTA 150th Anniversary Conference is now open for Online Enrollment. Please complete the form below and click on "Proceed to Payment" to finalize your registration.
If you prefer to mail in your registration, click the link below to download the registration form.

    150th Anniversary Conference Registration

Special Holiday Inn Express Conference Rate

Hey there, Western Cattle Trail fans! Get ready to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail in style! You can now grab a room at the fantastic Holiday Inn Express Dodge City at an exclusive conference rate. This excellent hotel is just a short walk from the Boot Hill Museum on the edge of Dodge City's historic Wright Park. To ensure you get all the benefits, call them now and let them know you're part of the Western Cattle Trail Conference. Rooms in Dodge City tend to disappear fast, so don't wait – book your spot today!
Holiday Inn Express Dodge City
201 4th Avenue
Dodge City, KS 67801
620-225-1000

Thursday, October 31st: Upland Ranch, Fireside Stories

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cowboy fireside stories with historian Brad Smalley at the prestigious Upland Ranch on the edge of the Western Cattle Trail! Brad will share unique stories of the Old West, including tales from Dodge City, Cattle Trail stories, and life on the frontier. This is an event you won't want to miss.
Meet Brad, a true historian from Dodge City, Kansas, with a passion for preserving the rich history of the Wild West. With extensive experience in local and statewide tourism, Brad is the captivating voice behind the Wild West Podcast. 
His remarkable journey led him to be featured in the Emmy-nominated second season of Gunslingers on the American Heroes Channel. In 2023, the Wild West Podcast ranked in the top 2% of podcasts worldwide, reaching over 12,107 cities and captivating audiences in 150 countries and territories. Brad's dedication to keeping Western history alive is truly inspiring! For more information on the event contact Upland Ranch at [email protected]
Friday, November 1, 2024 at The New Boot Hill Museum
  • 11:00 A.M. Free Trolley Ride to Dodge City Historical sites, Fort Dodge and old fort sites (45 minutes to 1 hour 15 min) 
BOOT HILL MUSEUM Saturday, November 2, 2024 at The New Boot Hill Museum
  • 8:30 - 9:00 A.M. WELCOME: Michael R. Grauer and Dennis Katzenmeier
  • 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. SPEAKER: The Northern Cheyenne Exodus by James N. Leiker
  • 10:00 - 10:15 A.M. BREAK: Water/Coffee Doughnuts
  • 10:15 - 11:15 A.M. A Conversation with Historians of the Western Trail, by Margaret & Gary Kraisinger
  • 11:15 - 11:45 P.M. Legislation Update by Ron Wilson
  • 11:45 - 12:15 P.M. BOX LUNCH PROVIDED
  • 12:30 -  1:30 P.M. WELCOME BACK by Michael Grauer @ Dennis Katzenmeier SPEAKER “Last Cattle Drive” by Michael Miller
  • 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. PRESENTATION:  "Art of the Cattle Trail" by Michael Grauer
  • 2:30-3:00 P.M.  International Chisholm Trail and Western Cattle Trail Meetings over lunch with Michael Grauer and Dennis Katzenmeier hosting (each meeting 30 min)
  • 3:00 P.M. CONCLUSION: Chance to Tour Boot Hill Museum 
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Convention Center 
Tickets Sold Separately
  • TBA Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Boot Hill Distillery Event
  • 5:00-6:30 P.M. Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Dinner
The conference will also include a round-table to discuss the formation of a "cattle trails consortium" to educate about these historic trails that built America, including the Western, Goodnight-Loving, Chisholm, Shawnee, et al. Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame induction will follow the program at the Dodge City Convention Center.

​Presenters for the WCTA 150-Year Celebration

The drovers are in the roundup for the Western Cattle Trail Association's 150-year celebration to be held in Dodge City, Kansas in November of 2024. We are proud to announce just a few of our committed presenters and topics of interest.
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