It wasnt intentional but Im glad I stumbled along a chunk of the Santa Fe Trail which for decades (1820s to 1860s) was the route for trading with Spains Mexico. All I intended to do was visit Dodge City, the famous cattle town of the wild west. Well, I got my Wyatt Earp and a whole lot more.
Let me be clear. Theres not a scrap of the original Dodge City to be seen anywhere in town, its all been torn down. My first reaction therefore was to recoil at the touristy construct that had replaced the genuine article. Thankfully I pushed on and found that there is a respectful homage to the true history in the form of plaques, statues, and photographs.
I didnt know the Santa Fe Trail was the trade route with Mexico.
I didnt know that Dodge City was set up to supply liquor to Fort Dodge.
I didnt know that the arrival of the railroad catalyzed the slaughter of bison.
I didnt know a million bison pelts were shipped east out of Dodge City.
I didnt know the Louisiana Purchase brought Kansas into the U.S.
I didnt know Dodge City lay on the 100th meridian and Arkansas River.
I didnt know that the hunting of bison was outlawed in 1883.
I didnt know that Texas cattle replaced bison in the Dodge City economy.
I didnt know cattle ticks caused Kansas to ban Texas cattle in 1885.
I didnt know that meat processing and grain now sustain Dodge City.
No, I didnt know much but I learned a lot more than I listed above. The waves of migration, of technical progress, and of transportation development all had such huge impacts on Dodge City. Amazingly, the worldwide reputation of lawlessness was acquired in only 11 years (1872-1883) when bison then cattle were brought to town after the arrival of the railroad.
Enough about Dodge City! Learning about its history was fun but also had an unforeseen consequence: introducing me to the Santa Fe Trail. I found myself on the Trail and headed east so I decided to follow it as closely as practical along 225 miles to Council Grove. Armed with my guidebook I found quite a lot. Wagon wheel ruts, forts, trading posts, taverns, the Pawnee Rock milestone, and much more.
For being such a young country we do have our share of interesting history.
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