Fort Dodge, Kansas

 Fort Dodge, Kansas: A Historic Site with a Veterans' Home

If you are interested in learning about the history of the Santa Fe Trail and the military presence in Kansas, you might want to visit Fort Dodge, an unincorporated community in Ford County, about 5 miles southeast of Dodge City. Fort Dodge was established in 1865 as a U.S. Army post to protect travelers and traders from Native American attacks. It also served as a supply depot and a resting place for buffalo hunters. The fort was named after Colonel Henry Dodge, a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War.

Fort Dodge was built on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River, which provided water and a natural defense. The first buildings were made of sod and adobe, and some soldiers lived in dugouts. Later, wooden structures were erected, including barracks, stables, warehouses, a hospital, a school, a chapel, and a cemetery. The fort had four companies of infantry at its peak, and hosted several notable visitors, such as General Philip Sheridan, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wild Bill Hickok.

The fort was abandoned in 1882, after the railroad reached Dodge City and the threat of Native American raids diminished. In 1890, the state of Kansas acquired the site and converted it into a soldiers' home for retired veterans. Today, Fort Dodge is still a retirement community and nursing facility for Kansas veterans, managed by the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs. It is also a historic site that preserves some of the original buildings and artifacts from the fort's heyday.

Visitors can explore Fort Dodge by taking a self-guided walking tour that starts at the historic library, which houses a museum with exhibits and memorabilia related to the fort's history and the Santa Fe Trail. The library also has a collection of books and documents about Kansas history and military affairs. Some of the other attractions include:

- The Pershing Barracks, built in 1867 and named after General John J. Pershing, who served at Fort Dodge as a young lieutenant. It is now used as a medical clinic.

- The Sheridan House, built in 1870 and named after General Philip Sheridan, who visited Fort Dodge several times. It is now used as administrative offices.

- The Custer House, built in 1872 and named after General George Custer, who also visited Fort Dodge. It is now used as a guest house for visitors.

- The Chapel, built in 1878 and still used for religious services and special events.

- The Cemetery, where more than 800 veterans and their spouses are buried. Some of the graves date back to the Civil War era.

Fort Dodge is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visitors are asked to respect the privacy and dignity of the residents and staff. Fort Dodge is located at 714 Sheridan Street, Fort Dodge, KS 67843. The phone number is (620) 227-2121.

Fort Dodge is a place where history meets hospitality. It offers a glimpse into the past of Kansas and the nation, as well as a tribute to the veterans who served their country. If you are looking for an educational and enjoyable destination in western Kansas, you might want to check out Fort Dodge.