Get ready, Western enthusiasts! At Wild West Podcast, we are thrilled to unveil an incredible new partnership with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum! Together, we're embarking on an adventure that celebrates the untamed spirit and captivating stories of the American West. Join us for the thrilling launch of "This Week in the West" podcast! This exciting weekly show, hitting your ears every Monday morning, will take you on a five-minute journey into the mesmerizing history of the West. Broadcasting from the iconic National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, "This Week in the West,” will shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and groundbreaking events that have shaped this legendary region. Don't miss out on the excitement—tune in and explore the West with "This Week in the West.
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Get ready for an unforgettable event! On March 19th at 4:00 P.M., join us at the Boot Hill Museum for an electrifying lecture by curator Keith Wondra that dives deep into the legendary Wyatt Earp's time in Dodge City! Discover the thrilling tales of Wyatt's adventures in Dodge City, Tombstone, and Wichita, and uncover how Hollywood has brought his story to life on the big and small screens. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the 177th anniversary of the birth of a true icon of Old West law enforcement. This is a must-attend event for history buffs and Western enthusiasts alike! Mark your calendars!
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Join us for a memorable gathering as the Santa Fe Trail/Fort Dodge/Cimarron Chapter and the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter come together in Dodge City for a special lunch meeting at Don Taco Cowtown, starting at 12:00 PM. Located at 503 East Trail, this event is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable Carol Sharp.
We’re excited to announce that her husband, Dan, will take the stage to share insights about the fascinating remnants of the Santa Fe Trail discovered on their ranch near Boise City, Oklahoma. He'll highlight remarkable sites like Autograph Rock and Cold Springs, offering a unique glimpse into history. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Leo Oliva and the Sharp family. We promise an afternoon filled with knowledge and shared passion for our heritage! |
Join us for the Cattle Trail Showcase, hosted by the International Chisholm Trail Association. Every second Friday of the month at 10:00 AM via Zoom, we delve into captivating topics that celebrate our rich heritage — from fascinating museums to significant historical events and remarkable sites linked to the cattle trails. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow enthusiasts. We would love to have you participate! Let us know if you're interested!
Videos highlighting communities, history, museums, and other attractions along the Chisholm and Western cattle trail.
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Dear WCTA Friends,
We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who has submitted their membership dues for this year. Your support means the world to us at the Western Cattle Trail Association. As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely heavily on your contributions to keep our website (www.westerncattletrailassoc.com) and Facebook page up and running. Our newsletters are crafted with care by dedicated volunteers and distributed with the help of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Your generous donations also play a crucial role in bringing speakers to Dodge City during our cherished Western Cattle Trail Wrangle, part of the wonderful Dodge City Days celebration. |
In today's world, it's crucial that we hold on to the significance of preserving our historic buildings. Landmark conservancy is not just a practice; it's a heartfelt commitment that greatly enriches our society. We cultivate a profound sense of belonging, continuity, stability, identity, and cherished memories by nurturing our connections to these historic places. Together, we can honor our past and ensure that these reminders of our history remain vital to our community for generations to come.
The meticulous upkeep of venerable buildings plays a vital role in safeguarding the rich tapestry of our communities' history and culture. |
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Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of inspiration and history! Join us at the Ford County Historical Society’s grand kickoff event, “A New Year of Historical Accomplishments: A 2025 Kickoff Celebration,” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Dive into an evening that promises to be filled with community spirit and captivating stories at the Ford County Legacy Center, located at 310 Gunsmoke Street in Dodge City. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate our past and look forward to what lies ahead!
The Ford County Historical Society kickstarts the festivities with a pivotal board meeting at 5:00 p.m., where new leadership will be elected to steer us into an exciting future. As the clock strikes 5:45 p.m., join us for light refreshments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for mingling with fellow Ford County community members. |
Some stories do more than entertain; they breathe life into communities and ignite tourism in exciting ways. Dodge City has a rich assortment of captivating narratives that reflect its dynamic history. The challenge lies in uncovering these extraordinary tales and sharing them in a manner that resonates profoundly with visitors, creating personal and unforgettable experiences. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey through time, where each story invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Dodge City!
One of the most enthralling tales from the Wild West is the legendary Saloon War of Dodge City, a narrative that brilliantly connects a stormy past with our modern world. Mark your calendars for February 26, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. and join us at the Ford County City Legacy Center for a compelling presentation by Brad Smalley, titled "The Dodge City Saloon War and Its Significance to Modern Tourism," proudly hosted by the Ford County Historical Society. This riveting chapter from 1883 recounts the tale of a bloodless showdown involving the daring gambler Luke Short and the political forces of Dodge City, determined to shut down Short's thriving Long Branch Saloon and drive him out of town. Don't miss this rare chance to discover how this historical conflict continues to influence the dynamic landscape of modern tourism! |
During the latter half of the 19th century, Texas cattlemen were confronted with a formidable task. As their herds grew and settlements advanced westward, they were compelled to constantly seek new paths to guide their cattle to northern markets. The Shawnee Trail, the first to become impassable, was succeeded by the Chisholm Trail. In 1874, John T. Lytle, a true pioneer, forged a new route beyond the western frontier, spanning from the grazing ranges of Texas to Fort Robinson, Nebraska. When the U.S. Army effectively ended the Red River War in early 1875, driving the Comanche and Kiowa onto a reservation, Lytle's trail became the most popular route to the railheads in Kansas and Nebraska. It remained the most utilized until the cattle trailing industry ceased in the 1890s.
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Board of DirectorsMichael Grauer: National President
Keith Wondra: President Dodge City Chapter Joel Herndon: Vice President Dodge City Chapter Mary Hendrix: Secretary Dodge City Chapter Joel Herndon: Treasurer Dodge City Chapter Ron Wilson: Legislative Representative Gary and Margaret Kraisinger: Historians |
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