Ford County Historical Society

Ford County Historical Society To promote the study and preservation of Ford County community histories and historical artifacts.

Today in Ford County History On this day November 25, 1887, the first train passed through Ford, Kansas, marking a pivot...
11/25/2025

Today in Ford County History
On this day November 25, 1887, the first train passed through Ford, Kansas, marking a pivotal moment that secured the town's survival over rival Ryansville. The train, part of the Arkansas, Kansas & Colorado Railroad connecting Bucklin to Dodge City, prompted Ryansville to cede to Ford, with merchants relocating their buildings. This connected Ford's rural areas to Dodge City and eastern markets, sparking a boom. Although Dodge City was a railroad hub since 1872, this expansion ended rural isolation, enabling large-scale agriculture export. Key details include the rivalry's end, the economic boost from the train, and the event's significance in closing the southern Ford County frontier.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/64094/episodes/18253329

11/24/2025

📖✨ Mark Your Calendars: Author Tim Wenzl Book Signing! ✨📖
Join us at the Dodge City Legacy Center for an exciting evening with author Tim Wenzl!
This is your chance to meet Tim in person, chat about his work, and get your copy of his book signed. Whether it's a gift for the holidays or a treat for yourself, a signed book is always special!
Event Details:
Who: Author Tim Wenzl
What: Book Signing
Where: Dodge City Legacy Center - 310 Gunsmoke, Dodge City, Kansas
When: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bring a friend and support a fantastic author. We can't wait to see you there!

10/22/2025

Thank you and Farewell J. Anna King for all your good work and insights. Your passion for Ford County and its history are much appreciated. We wish you well.
Ford County Historical Society

10/16/2025

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This photo is of the City Hardware building on the northwest corner of Second Avenue and Front Street,ca.1910s. The building was built in 1872 by Herman Fringer and A. J. Peacock for use as a drug store. Dr. Thomas McCarty bought the building and opened the City Drug Store in 1881. After the Merchants State Bank fiasco William Robinson moved his hardware business into the building and it became home to the City Hardware store. The building lasted until 1925 when it was torn down for a "modern" filling station. The 1886 building on the right was home to the Merchants State Bank and the State Bank of Dodge City. The 1925 filling station and the old bank building along with other buildings on Front Street were torn down in 1970 for Urban Renewal.

Robert Markley Rath was born on this day in 1877. Bob had an unusual upbringing, being pulled back and forth between his...
10/16/2025

Robert Markley Rath was born on this day in 1877. Bob had an unusual upbringing, being pulled back and forth between his parents, Charles and Carrie (Markley) Rath, after their divorce. He owned several businesses in Ford County, including pharmacies in Dodge City, Spearville, and Ford.

Photo: Ford County Historical Society Lola Crum Collection

National Bank of Commerce was a precursor to the First National Bank located on First Avenue between Chestnut (Wyatt Ear...
10/15/2025

National Bank of Commerce was a precursor to the First National Bank located on First Avenue between Chestnut (Wyatt Earp) and Front Streets. This photo showing the north entrance was taken in 1924.

Photo: Ford County Historical Society Studio de Lari Collection

To celebrate National Dessert Day, we are sharing these images from a cake sale which was held in the month of October. ...
10/14/2025

To celebrate National Dessert Day, we are sharing these images from a cake sale which was held in the month of October. Unfortunately, no year is included with the negatives but they could be from around 1957. Please let us know if you recognize anyone!

Photos: Ford County Historical Society Dodge City Daily Globe Collection

The Dodge City Boys Band participated in the parade for the Old Timers Reunion on October 11, 1922. This photo shows the...
10/13/2025

The Dodge City Boys Band participated in the parade for the Old Timers Reunion on October 11, 1922. This photo shows them marching south on Second Avenue in front of the Eckles building.

Postcard: Ford County Historical Society Troy Robinson Collection

10/10/2025

This week's featured artifact is a 1921 advertising piece from the Bloom Hardware Co. in Bloom, Kansas. In addition to hardware, the store carried cream separators, stoves, irons, and other household goods.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day so we'll just leave this right here.Unfortunately, this adorable image has no note...
10/10/2025

October 10 is World Mental Health Day so we'll just leave this right here.

Unfortunately, this adorable image has no notes attached to it so if you recognize the man or the horse, please let us know. It appears to have been taken in the early 1980s.

Photo: Ford County Historical Society Dodge City Daily Globe Collection

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310 Gunsmoke Street
Dodge City, KS
67801

Telephone

+16207893247

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