Ford County Historical Society

05/20/2026

With heavy heart, the Ford County Historical Society is sad to announce the passing of Board President and dedicated Ford County preservationist Kent Stehlik. Further details will be made public at a later date. Thank you Kent for all you have done for Ford County!

Friends are invited to share their memories of Kent here, or feel free to message this page privately.

05/18/2026

If anyone would like to donate, the Ford County Legacy Center will be accepting donations for the Minneola Fire Department tomorrow May 19 from 8AM-4PM! 310 Gunsmoke, Dodge City!

Save our Counties, save our Communities, save our Stories!

05/14/2026

We had a great time at the Reception last night! Incredibly proud of our area youth in showcasing our history through artistic expression. What a cool afternoon of Culture, Community, and Commeraderie!

05/13/2026

Dont forget the Landmark Arts Reception TONIGHT at the Carnegie Arts Dodge City! 5:00 PM. You do NOT want to miss this amazing program. We welcome you to support our local youth and their incredible artistic achievements.

05/06/2026

This year’s Landmark Arts Project was a great success! The artwork featured in this post is currently on display at the Carnegie Center for the Arts, and it’s definitely worth seeing in person. Be sure to stop by and explore the full collection before the exhibit ends. You can find the Carnegie Center for the Arts at 701 N 2nd Ave—there’s a wide variety of incredible pieces on display.

04/29/2026

On April 28, students from Sacred Heart celebrated Mass at Coronado Cross Park. It was a beautiful day with a break from the wind and cooler temperatures. The students in attendance have been studying the Coronado Expedition, and several have even presented their research projects in class. One of the students mentioned that she felt "being where it happened made it real."
This sentiment was echoed by the officiating Deacon who saw the monument as a great example of the Faith in the Historical Record, even equating it to historic references in the New Testament.

Thank you Sacred Heart for your visit to one of Ford County's most awesome locations!

04/24/2026

Jeremy James Long - Singer/songwriter will be performing a mix of country and folk music tonight from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M at the Ford County Legacy Center. Come listen to some music and tour the Legacy Center.

04/23/2026

Come see us!

📜 Ford County Legacy Center - Sip N Sample Tours!
Final Friday in April is here! Let’s see what this participating business has going on 👇

Explore local history while enjoying a complimentary sip along the way! History has never tasted so good! 🥤

04/17/2026

The Tragedy at Sawlog: A Lesson in the Law of the Old West - April 1876

History isn't always pretty, but it’s important to remember. This photo, taken in 1937, shows the legendary Ham Bell standing beside a massive cottonwood tree northeast of Dodge City. But this wasn’t just any tree—it was a grim landmark known for the events of April 4 through April 5, 1876.

Ham Bell had actually warned young John Callaham, a preacher’s son, to stop working for the notorious horse thief Owens, telling him, "Sometimes, it pays to lose money." Tragically, Callahan stayed to collect his wages and was caught up in a vigilante raid.

Though Callaham reportedly pleaded for the life of a 14-year-old boy in the camp (who was spared), Callaham and two others were hanged from these very branches. Years later, Ham Bell—acting as undertaker—returned to this spot to recover Callahan’s body and return him to his family.

A haunting reminder that in the 1870s, your company defined your fate.

The story can be found here. EARLY FORD COUNTY, by Ida Ellen Rath, Ch. 20 | Dodge City, Kansas http://www.kansashistory.us/fordco/rath2/20.html

Photo provided by Mary Hendrix Vice President FCHS from the book Early Dodge City by Ida Rath.