PRESERVATION OF FORT DODGE
The Ford County Historical Society’s motto is: “Creating a Future for Our Past”. When it comes to Fort Dodge, which existed before Dodge City or Ford County on the Santa Fe Trail, the fort personifies that history. Our mission is to protect that which once protected our forefathers as they traveled the Santa Fe Trail to a new life in the west. The Fort is the only one of the seven located in Kansas that is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is time for this oversight to be corrected.
The Ford County Historical Society is the group spearheading the Preserve Fort Dodge movement and the Society has been in existence since 1931. For the last 50-plus years, they have maintained and managed the Mueller-Schmidt House (Home of Stone) as a period home in Dodge City. Built and occupied in 1881, the Home of Stone remains a beautiful example of craftsmanship in Ford County and the Society has regularly applied for and received grant funds to maintain this historic structure.
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Preserving the Past: Unearthing the Forgotten Legacy of Fort Dodge and the Fight for Its Survival
In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the forgotten legacy of Fort Dodge and the fight for its survival. With special guest Connie Pinnock, Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Ford County Historical Society, we discuss the importance of preserving Fort Dodge, its pivotal role in settling the West, and its significant impact on safeguarding travelers along the Santa Fe Trail.
Interestingly, Fort Dodge remains the only fort established for this purpose in Kansas that's still waiting to be placed on the National Historic Register. This omission not only overlooks a significant piece of our shared history but also misses the potential advantages of this historic recognition.
Securing a place on the National Historic Register for Fort Dodge could unlock potential federal funding, ensuring the preservation of this historic site. More importantly, it could spark renewed interest in preserving the area's rich history. The fort, established in 1865, was part of a series of early frontier forts that played an essential role in the settlement of the West.
However, despite its historical significance, Fort Dodge has never been comprehensively evaluated for its eligibility to be placed on the National Historic Register. Of the three military installations in Kansas established to protect the Santa Fe Trail, Fort Dodge remains the only one not protected by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
In the second half of our episode, Connie emphasizes the crucial role of community engagement in preserving Fort Dodge. She encourages everyone to use their voice and reach out to representatives, ensuring this historic gem does not remain overlooked. It's time for Fort Dodge to take its place in history and be protected as a National Historic Site.
The fight for the preservation of Fort Dodge isn't just about protecting a historical landmark. It's about safeguarding a historical community that played a significant role in the development of the West. Connie's call to action serves as a reminder that we all have a part to play in preserving our shared past.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to preserve Fort Dodge. By taking part in this movement, we can ensure that the captivating history of Fort Dodge is brought to light. Let's work together to secure its legacy and contribute to the preservation of history. After all, the preservation of history is not just about looking back; it's about securing our future.
Interestingly, Fort Dodge remains the only fort established for this purpose in Kansas that's still waiting to be placed on the National Historic Register. This omission not only overlooks a significant piece of our shared history but also misses the potential advantages of this historic recognition.
Securing a place on the National Historic Register for Fort Dodge could unlock potential federal funding, ensuring the preservation of this historic site. More importantly, it could spark renewed interest in preserving the area's rich history. The fort, established in 1865, was part of a series of early frontier forts that played an essential role in the settlement of the West.
However, despite its historical significance, Fort Dodge has never been comprehensively evaluated for its eligibility to be placed on the National Historic Register. Of the three military installations in Kansas established to protect the Santa Fe Trail, Fort Dodge remains the only one not protected by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
In the second half of our episode, Connie emphasizes the crucial role of community engagement in preserving Fort Dodge. She encourages everyone to use their voice and reach out to representatives, ensuring this historic gem does not remain overlooked. It's time for Fort Dodge to take its place in history and be protected as a National Historic Site.
The fight for the preservation of Fort Dodge isn't just about protecting a historical landmark. It's about safeguarding a historical community that played a significant role in the development of the West. Connie's call to action serves as a reminder that we all have a part to play in preserving our shared past.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to preserve Fort Dodge. By taking part in this movement, we can ensure that the captivating history of Fort Dodge is brought to light. Let's work together to secure its legacy and contribute to the preservation of history. After all, the preservation of history is not just about looking back; it's about securing our future.
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About the Project
We can debate the historical significance of Fort Dodge and its impact on trade and travel on the Santa Fe Trail until the cows come home. Without the protection afforded to wagon trains traveling both directions on the trail, trade would not have been so successful. And once the fort’s significance as a military installation ended – it became the Kansas Soldiers Home and continues to today. It took grassroots efforts to repurpose the abandoned fort into a viable veteran’s facility and now a new grassroots effort seeks to preserve the area and its historically significant buildings and grounds.
Over the years, some of the oldest buildings from the original military fort have been lost, but quite a few still remain (some being utilized, some not). Plus, additional buildings from the early years of the Kansas Soldiers Home still exist (again, some being utilized, some not). It is the goal of the Preserve Fort Dodge movement to get the National Register designation for the fort and buildings which will ensure that we don’t lose anything further.
The Preserve Fort Dodge movement does not seek to impede anything related to veterans operations at the site. The veterans operation has been successful through the years and they continue to maintain the buildings they are using. But we are worried about the empty and seemingly abandoned buildings decaying as time passes. With the National Register designation, funding streams become available to stabilize and mothball buildings which are awaiting repurposing and funds to restore and upgrade other buildings for new purposes. These funding streams also become available for veterans operations to apply for to assist with maintaining the historic buildings they are using.
Over the years, some of the oldest buildings from the original military fort have been lost, but quite a few still remain (some being utilized, some not). Plus, additional buildings from the early years of the Kansas Soldiers Home still exist (again, some being utilized, some not). It is the goal of the Preserve Fort Dodge movement to get the National Register designation for the fort and buildings which will ensure that we don’t lose anything further.
The Preserve Fort Dodge movement does not seek to impede anything related to veterans operations at the site. The veterans operation has been successful through the years and they continue to maintain the buildings they are using. But we are worried about the empty and seemingly abandoned buildings decaying as time passes. With the National Register designation, funding streams become available to stabilize and mothball buildings which are awaiting repurposing and funds to restore and upgrade other buildings for new purposes. These funding streams also become available for veterans operations to apply for to assist with maintaining the historic buildings they are using.
Secrets and Survival in Fort Dodge: Doug Austin's Exposé on Construction, Campaigns, and Preservation Challenges
The history of Fort Dodge is steeped in a blend of triumph, turbulence, resilience, and preservation. In this blog post, we journey through the compelling past of this historic fort, exploring its construction, its role during the Indian campaigns, its enduring structures, and the challenges faced in its preservation.
Constructed in 1867, Fort Dodge served a pivotal role in the Indian campaigns of 1867 to 1869 and 1874 to 1875 due to its strategic location on the Santa Fe Trail. Despite frequent disruptions from Native American tribes, the fort stood its ground, demonstrating resilience and determination. This riveting tale of survival reveals the grit and labor required to build the fort and its infrastructure, from the quarrying of stone to the skills of the masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and teamsters.
A key focus of this episode is the fort's enduring structures, notably the junior officers' quarters and the Custer House, both built around 1866-67. These structures tell a story of historical preservation, standing the test of time despite the harsh living conditions experienced by the early dwellers of the fort. In addition, we delve into the intriguing journey of Fort Dodge's listing on the National Historic Register, an achievement marked by irony and fraught with challenges.
Our guest, Doug Austin, offers invaluable insights into the state of these structures and shares his relentless efforts to protect this historical treasure. His determination to preserve the legacy of Fort Dodge sheds light on the ironies surrounding its preservation and the struggles involved in getting it listed on the National Historic Register.
As we traverse through the rich history of Fort Dodge, we also discuss the health adversities that the early dwellers faced, including a cholera outbreak that spread through the garrison in 1867. This grim episode serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of frontier life and the resilience required to endure such conditions.
The legacy of Fort Dodge is an intriguing tapestry woven with threads of history, resilience, and preservation. As we delve deeper into its past, we not only uncover the fort's strategic significance and construction narrative but also gain a deeper understanding of the adversities and challenges faced by its early dwellers. In preserving this historical treasure, we honor its past, celebrate its resilience, and secure its legacy for future generations.
Constructed in 1867, Fort Dodge served a pivotal role in the Indian campaigns of 1867 to 1869 and 1874 to 1875 due to its strategic location on the Santa Fe Trail. Despite frequent disruptions from Native American tribes, the fort stood its ground, demonstrating resilience and determination. This riveting tale of survival reveals the grit and labor required to build the fort and its infrastructure, from the quarrying of stone to the skills of the masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and teamsters.
A key focus of this episode is the fort's enduring structures, notably the junior officers' quarters and the Custer House, both built around 1866-67. These structures tell a story of historical preservation, standing the test of time despite the harsh living conditions experienced by the early dwellers of the fort. In addition, we delve into the intriguing journey of Fort Dodge's listing on the National Historic Register, an achievement marked by irony and fraught with challenges.
Our guest, Doug Austin, offers invaluable insights into the state of these structures and shares his relentless efforts to protect this historical treasure. His determination to preserve the legacy of Fort Dodge sheds light on the ironies surrounding its preservation and the struggles involved in getting it listed on the National Historic Register.
As we traverse through the rich history of Fort Dodge, we also discuss the health adversities that the early dwellers faced, including a cholera outbreak that spread through the garrison in 1867. This grim episode serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of frontier life and the resilience required to endure such conditions.
The legacy of Fort Dodge is an intriguing tapestry woven with threads of history, resilience, and preservation. As we delve deeper into its past, we not only uncover the fort's strategic significance and construction narrative but also gain a deeper understanding of the adversities and challenges faced by its early dwellers. In preserving this historical treasure, we honor its past, celebrate its resilience, and secure its legacy for future generations.
Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire (PSIQ)
Information provided on this questionnaire posted below allows the staff of the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to provide feedback on a property’s potential eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places.
Historic Buildings/Structures Survey and Condition Assessment Associated with the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas
The scope of this project was to document all extant buildings dating from 1821 - 1872 that are associated with the Santa Fe National Trail in Kansas. Those buildings and structures within a 1⁄4-mile corridor on each side of the designated National Historic Trail were to be surveyed. In August 2017 following a meeting and discussions with NPS personnel, the survey corridor along each side of the trail was increased to 1⁄2 mile and a later cutoff date of 1878 was established. This report summarizes the methodology used during the Kansas - Santa Fe Trail Building survey project. The report also looks at the project’s total numbers of buildings (70) comparatively by county regarding the buildings’ architectural styles, plan forms, number of stories, construction materials, historic functions and current functions [See Appendix “A”]. Within the report, recommendations have been provided for nine of the buildings requiring the most urgent preservation attention [see Recommendations]. All condition assessments, research and photographs are accessible on the Kansas Historic Resources Inventory database accessible at: www.khri.kansasgis.org/. This survey report also includes an Appendix “B” of the 70 buildings identified. Historic Buildings/Structures Survey and Condition Assessment Associated with the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas has been posted below.
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JUNIOR OFFICERS’ QUARTERS: FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Junior Officers Quarters building has been well- preserved by the dry climate of southwestern Kansas, it is
in a manageable condition to repair considering its age and its long-term vacancy. Along with its historical context and significance, the case for preservation becomes clear. Preserving the building preserves Kansas history related to the Frontier, Santa Fe Trail and the post-Civil War era in the west. In the following pages, use options for the building are proposed that offer feasible and sustainable utilization of the building. All options include seeking historic designation of the building in some capacity as discussed in the report.
in a manageable condition to repair considering its age and its long-term vacancy. Along with its historical context and significance, the case for preservation becomes clear. Preserving the building preserves Kansas history related to the Frontier, Santa Fe Trail and the post-Civil War era in the west. In the following pages, use options for the building are proposed that offer feasible and sustainable utilization of the building. All options include seeking historic designation of the building in some capacity as discussed in the report.
fort_dodge_-_feasibility_study_report.pdf | |
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FORT DODGE PRESERVATION LINKS |
FORT DODGE HISTORY LINKS |