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

George M. Hoover

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

1. George M. Hoover Marker

Inscription.
Came to Buffalo City in 1871 which became Dodge City in 1872. Always active in promoting Dodge City. Mayor four terms. Died in 1914 leaving legacies to Dodge City. One was for $10,000 to build a public assembly room in Wright Park (Hoover Pavilion).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 37° 44.977′ N, 100° 1.279′ W. Marker is in Dodge City, Kansas, in Ford County. It can be reached from 4th Avenue 0.1 miles south of West Trail Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is mounted on the south facade of Hoover Pavilion near the southwest corner of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 4th 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,

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the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the 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: Liberty Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert M. Wright (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dodge City Swimming Pool History (about 300 feet away); Santa Fe Trail (about 400 feet away); Boot Hill Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Rosemary & Lewis Mock (approx. ¼ mile away); The Boot Hill Special (approx. ¼ mile away); Dodge City, a frontier legend (approx. ¼ mile away). 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. George Merritt Hoover

Also see . . .
1. George Merritt Hoover (1847-1914) (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Canadian-American pioneer, businessman, and politician. Known as the founder of Dodge City, Kansas, he was the town's second settler (arriving in 1872), founded the town's first business, founded
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

2. George M. Hoover Marker
The marker is mounted on the south facade of Hoover Pavilion near the southwest corner of the building.
the town's first bank, and was the town's first elected mayor. Hoover served four terms as mayor of Dodge City and two terms in the Kansas Legislature.

(Submitted on August 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. George M. Hoover – Dodge City Pioneer (Legends of Kansas).

(©Kathy Alexander) Excerpt: With a business partner named John McDonald, he established the first saloon in Dodge City, initially in a sod building, but later constructed a wooden structure on Front Street. He became the first elected mayor when Dodge City was founded and served four terms in office. He was also a County Commissioner several times and was elected twice to the state legislature from Ford County. He later founded and served as president of the State Bank of Dodge, a position he held until his death. By the time he died in July 1914, he had amassed an estate of at least $500,000, leaving $100,000 of it to Dodge City, in addition to thousands of dollars more for churches and $10,000 to build Hoover Pavilion in Wright Park, Dodge City.

(Submitted on August 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Hoover Pavilion (City of Dodge City).

Dodge City Historical Landmark Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

3. Dodge City Historical Landmark Marker

Hoover Pavilion
1919
Dodge City, Kansas
Historical Landmark

Excerpt: Hoover Pavilion in Wright Park is a local historical landmark originally constructed as an open air pavilion in 1919. After major renovations in the early 2000's, the facility is now fully renovated to historically appropriate standards, climate controlled and features a 5,000 sq. ft. main hall, restrooms and warming kitchen.

(Submitted on August 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

4. Dodge City Historical Landmark Marker

The Dodge City Historical Landmark marker is mounted on the west facade of Hoover Pavilion near the southwest corner of the building.

Hoover Pavilion (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

5. Hoover Pavilion (southeast elevation)

Hoover Pavilion (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

6. Hoover Pavilion (northeast elevation)

Hoover Pavilion (<i>east/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022

7. Hoover Pavilion (east/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.