Dodge City in Ford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Ben Bates

Television & Feature Films

— Dodge City Trail of Fame —

Ben Bates Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2022

1. Ben Bates Marker

Inscription. Stunt double for James Arness for 25 years
Second unit director, stunt coordinator, stunt actor
Marlboro Man
Professional Rodeo Cowboy

Erected by Dodge City Trail of Fame, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Kansas, Dodge City Trail of Fame series list.

Location. 37° 45.21′ N, 100° 1.137′ W. Marker is in Dodge City, Kansas, in Ford County. It is on Gunsmoke Street just east of North 2nd Avenue, on the left when traveling west. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk near the southeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 North 2nd Avenue, Dodge City KS 67801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

on the High Plains,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the

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Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Arness (here, next to this marker); Bruce Boxleitner (a few steps from this marker); Amanda Blake (within shouting distance of this marker); Milburn Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Gene Barry (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Rath (within shouting distance of this marker); Hugh O'Brian (within shouting distance of this marker); Dennis Weaver (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dodge City.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Ben Bates (Grokipedia).

Excerpt: American rodeo cowboy, stunt performer, and actor, renowned for his 25-year tenure as the stunt double for James Arness, including in the iconic Western television series Gunsmoke. Born in Mexia, Texas, Bates initially built a distinguished career in professional rodeo,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2022

2. Ben Bates Marker
competing in steer wrestling, calf roping, and team roping from 1959 to 1987 after serving in the U.S. Navy SeaBees during the Korean War.
Transitioning to entertainment in 1967 after being spotted at the Chicago Rodeo, Bates first gained visibility as the Marlboro Man in print and television advertisements, earning an honorable mention Addy Award for advertising excellence in 1970. His stunt work extended beyond Gunsmoke to doubling for Arness in series like McClain's Law and How the West Was Won, as well as telefilms including Red River (1988) and The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory (1987). Bates contributed stunts to films such as The White Buffalo (1977) and many others. He appeared as an actor in episodes of Hart to Hart, Bosom Buddies, The Fall Guy, and Matt Houston. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Silver Spur Award in 2016 from James Arness's widow at the Reel Cowboys event in Studio City, California. Posthumously inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2022, Bates's multifaceted legacy bridged the worlds of Western sports and Hollywood.

(Submitted on August 8, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Dodge City Trail of Fame (Visit Dodge City).

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2022

3. Ben Bates Marker

The marker is embedded in the sidewalk near the southeast corner of the intersection. The related James Arness marker is a few steps to the right and visible in the right background.

Excerpt: The Dodge City Trail of Fame, Inc. is part of the Historic Dodge City Walking Tour. This portion of the trail is marked with sidewalk medallions and statuaries to commemorate the many famous and infamous denizens of historic Dodge City. Additionally, many medallions are dedicated to notable movie and television stars that have portrayed famous Dodge Citians.

(Submitted on August 8, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.