Fort Dodge in Ford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Dodge
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2012
1. Fort Dodge Marker
Fort Dodge, named for Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, was established here in 1865. It was a supply depot and base of operations against warring Plains Tribes. Custer, Sheridan, Miles, Hancock, "Wild Bill" Hickok and "Buffalo Bill" Cody are figures in its history. The site was an old camping ground for wagon trains near the western junction of the "Dry" and "Wet" routes of the Santa Fe trail. The first buildings were of sod and adobe although some of the troops lived in dugouts. Several of the stone buildings erected later are in use today. The fort was abandoned in 1882 and is now a state soldier's home.
The Spanish explorer, Coronado, is believed to have crossed the Arkansas river a few miles east of here in 1541.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 75.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 37° 44.034′ N, 99° 56.377′ W. Marker is in Fort Dodge, Kansas, in Ford County. Marker is on U.S. 400
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wagnor Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Storehouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Dodge (approx. ¼ mile away); Commanding Officer's Quarters (approx. ¼ mile away); Sutler Store (approx. ¼ mile away); Enlisted Men's Barracks (approx. ¼ mile away); Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Dodge.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Dodge. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on May 11, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Fort Dodge in Kansas Cyclopedia (1912). KSGenWeb entry (Submitted on May 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Kansas Soldiers' Home, Fort Dodge. Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs website entry (Submitted on May 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2012
2. Fort Dodge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
