THE LEGENDS OF DODGE CITY, KANSAS
Before we begin our story, we must first ask our self, “What is a Legend?” A legend usually includes an element of truth, or is based on historical facts, but with 'mythical qualities. Our legends are our societal medicine as they are told about in songs and around the campsite, passed on from person to person from generation to generation. Our stories of legends have significant meaning to us. They represent a symbolism for the culture in which it originates.
Our legends are the echoes of us, and we echo them. Perhaps that is why we are so drawn to the stories of our past. These are the stories about the individual, their struggles, and the ability to overcome obstacles as they persevered over time while being played out in the memories of others - who knew them for who they were and what they created. |
George HooverJoshua Roesener an award winning radio announcer, historian and Boot Hiil gunfighter provides a inside first person look at George Hoover, founder of Dodge City in 1872 when he opens the first bar five miles west of Fort Dodge.
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Chalkley BeesonIn this video Brent Harris a noted Boot Hill historian provides an overview of the life of Chalkley Beeson from the time he arrives in Dodge City by stage coach in 1874 documenting his life as a saloon owner, museum curator, sherif, and musician.
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Ormond W. Wright Ormond W. Wright born in Acworth, New Hampshire in 1850, arrived in Dodge City in early 1877 at the age of 26. Though he had graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York in 1873, he was not ordained when he got to Dodge.
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Boot Hill CemeteryBrad Smalley a local Boot Hill Gunfighter, Western historian and noted television consultant provides a first person perspective of what it would have been like to visit Boot Hill Cemetery-- reliving the hard times, telling the stories of those who paved the way for a new life on the frontier of hard times.
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