A guide to
Ford County, Kansas 2016
W W W . C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N S P U B . C O M
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Ford County, KS
HISTORY & DEMOGRAPHICS HISTORY
The Dodge City, KS Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Ford County. Ford County was a prohibition, or “dry”, county until the Kansas Constitution was amended in 1986 and voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Ford County was created by a Legislative Act of 1867, which provided for the division into counties of all the unorganized part of the state. It was named in honor of Colonel James H. Ford of the Second Colorado Cavalry, who was in charge of the construction of Fort Dodge after the Civil War. However, the region had been traveled through frequently, by pioneers along the Santa Fe Trail. One of the first parties to travel westward through this portion of Kansas with a pack train was the McKnight Expedition in 1812, which followed the Arkansas River. A few years later Major Stephen H. Long’s Expedition passed up the Arkansas Valley and by 1825 this route became known as the Santa Fe Trail. One of the earliest military posts in Kansas, Fort Atkinson, was located in what is now Ford County. Fort Dodge, established in 1864, was on the north bank of the Arkansas River, about five miles southeast of Dodge City. The old military reservation is now the site of the State Soldiers’ Home. During the California Gold Rush in 1849 thousands of gold seekers passed along the Santa Fe Trail, through what is now Ford County, but few located there. One of the first permanent settlers was Andrew J. Anthony who settled on a ranch about 20 miles west of present-day Dodge City, in 1867. He kept a few cattle and a general store for a year, then moved to Fort Dodge and engaged in the sutler business until 1874. Herman J. Fringer came to Fort Dodge in 1867 as quartermaster’s clerk. Later he opened one of the pioneer drug stores and served as Justice of the Peace before the county was organized. H.L. Sitler came to the county in 1868, and was one of the pioneer freighters, before the railroad was built. In August, 1872, buffalo hunters and business men in various branches of industry, were attracted to Ford County and Dodge City was estab-
lished upon the completion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad the following month. Before the buffalo were wiped out, their hides were extensively shipped from Dodge City. A short time later, Dodge City would develop into a rough and tumble cowtown. As the frontier moved further west Ford County became populated with industrious farmers and ranches, who established permanent homes. On April 5, 1873, Governor Thomas A. Osborn issued a proclamation providing for the organization of Ford County. He appointed Charles Rath, J. G. McDonald and Daniel Wolf as special commissioners, and Herman J. Fringer as special clerk. The commissioners soon met at Dodge City and elected Charles Rath chairman. An election for county officers was ordered for June 5, 1873, when the commissioners and officers were elected. By 1874, Dodge City had developed into the primary shipping point for the Texas cattle trade; the cowboys from the Plains driving in large quantities for shipment. These many cowboys , along with railroad workers, gamblers, gunfighters and “ladies of the night,” soon earned Dodge City a reputation as a wicked little town. On May 20, 1876, the Dodge City Times made its appearance and over the decades Ford County sported a number of other newspapers. The first Ford County Globe was established at Dodge City in December, 1877 and continues to exist today. In 1880, the Santa Fe Railroad reached Santa Fe, marking the death of the Santa Fe Trail and the many travelers passing through Dodge City. With the Indians effectively “lodged” on reservations, there was no longer a need for a
military presence and Fort Dodge was closed in 1882. By 1886, the cattle drives had also stopped and the county settled down into a more peaceful existence. By the turn of the century Ford County sported almost 5,500 people and during the next decade would see tremendous growth as its population doubled to more than 11,000 residents. By this time, Dodge City had become a transportation hub in the area with some 90 miles of railroad tracks situated within the county. Along with its mainstay of farming and ranching, the county also held good sandstone, limestone and gypsum that was quarried and sold. Area industry and services also expanded to include several flour mills, machine shops, ice plats and more. During the 1930’s, Ford County, like many others in Kansas, was caught in the midst of the dust bowl days, especially on “Black Sunday,” when a massive front moved across the Great Plains on April 15, 1935. Though many hardy residents stayed, living on hope and taking the advice of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, a great many others gave up and left the area, reducing the county population. But, Ford County recovered and diversified its interests and businesses over the next 50 years. Today, the county supports a population of more than 33,000 people. Its rich history lives on at its historic landmarks and museums, including the Boothill Museum in Dodge City . Ironically, Ford County, with its fascinating Old West history, is the only county of any size in Kansas that does not have a county museum. However, there are people that are trying to garner enough support to establish one. (Information gathered from http://www.legendsofkansas.com/fordcounty.html)
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 32,458 people, 10,852 households, and 7,856 families residing in Ford County. The population density was 30 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 11,650 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 74.85% White, 1.62% Black or African American, 0.63% Native American, 2.05% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 18.17% from other races, and 2.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 37.68% of the population. There were 10,852 households out of which 40.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% were non-families. 22.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.42. In the county the population was spread out with 31.10% under the age of 18, 11.20% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 17.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 107.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.30 males. The median income for a household in the county was $37,860, and the median income for a family was $42,734. Males had a median income of $27,189 versus $22,165 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,721. About 9.90% of families and 12.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.40% of those under age 18 and 8.40% of those age 65 or over. (Information gathered from wikipedia.com)
Ford County Schools Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center
Spearville Middle School
Beeson Elementary School
Spearville High School
Central Elementary School
Bucklin High School
Dodge City Middle School
Macksville Elementary School
Dodge City High School
Minneola High School
Alternative Education
Meade High School
Spearville Elementary School
South Central High School
200 W. Comanche Street, Suite A Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 371-1250 1700 W. Beeson Road Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 227-1605 1100 Central Avenue Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 227-1601 2000 6th Avenue Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 227-1610 2201 W Ross Blvd Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 227-1611
200 W. Comanche Street, Suite B Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 371-1275 105 Davis, PO Box 337 Spearville, KS 67876 Phone: (620) 385-2556
305 E. Ave B Spearville, KS 67876 Phone: (620) 385-2631
305 East Avenue B, PO Box 158 Spearville, KS 67876 Phone: (620) 385-2631 422 S Main St Bucklin, KS Phone: (620) 826-3241 433 N Gilmore Ave Macksville, KS Phone: (620) 348-3415 111 E. Locust St Minneola, KS Phone: (620) 885-4611
409 School Addition Meade, KS Phone: (620) 873-2981 600 E. Garfield St Coldwater, KS Phone: (620) 582-2158
For more schools visit www.fordcounty.net
FORD COUNTY
Community Activities HORSE THIEF RESERVOIR
At Horse Thief Reservoir, there are numerous attractions that include, but are not limited to, camping, bird watching, skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hunting, and archery. There are 42 campsites with utilities, and a large amount of primitive campsites available as well as one rustic cabin that can comfortably fit 5-6 people for sleeping arrangements that is located right across the road from our bathhouses/restrooms. 19005 SW 156 Highway Jetmore, KS 67854 Phone: (620) 253-8464 For more information visit: www.horsethiefres.com
PRICES $5 Daily Vehicle $40 Annual Vehicle $9 Daily Camping $180 Annual Camping $9 Daily Utility Fee $2 Daily Boating $4 Daily Jet Ski $32 Annual Jet Ski $40 Daily or $75 Weekend: Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayak & Canoe Rentals $75.00 WEEKEND
DODGE CITY DAYS
The 56th Annual Dodge City Days is a tribute to Fort Dodge. The event will include a rodeo, craft shows, a parade, art show, and more. July 28th - August 7th 2016
For more information visit:
Dodge City, Kansas 67801 Phone: (620) 227-3119
“Dodge City Days” at facebook.com or http://www.dodgecitydays.com/
FORD COUNTY: Community Activities
BOOT HILL MUSEUM AND STORE, INC.
Boot Hill Museum has over 60,000 objects, photographs, and documents. The Museum has obtained these over its lifetime from donations and a limited number of purchases. Most of the items date from Dodge City’s early days in the 1870’s through the 1920’s, and most belonged to the original residents of Dodge City. The museum also features dinner, shows and daily activities. 500 W Wyatt Earp Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 227-8188 Hours Mon - Fri 9a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Summer Hours Mon - Sun 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission $10 General Admission $8 Child (5-10 yrs) Admission $35 Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) $30 Combo Ticket Adult, Ages 11 & up $22 Combo Ticket Child Combo Ticket, 5-10 yrs (Combo tickets include admission to the museum, country-style dinner and a variety show.)
LOCAL HEALTHCARE F O R D C O U N T Y, K A N S A S
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES CALL
911 Minneola District Hospital 212 Main St Bloom, Kansas, 67865 Phone: (620) 885-4264
Western Plains Medical Complex 3001 Avenue A Dodge, Kansas, 67801 Phone: (620) 225-8400
Hodgeman County Health Center 3001 Bramley St Jetmore, KS 67854 Phone: (620) 357-8361 Geary Community Hospital 1102 St. Marys Rd Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: (785) 238-4131 Dodge City Medical Center 2020 Central Ave Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 227-1371
Local Churches Dodge City Pentecostals UPC 2012 1st Ave Dodge City, KS (620) 682-9492
Dodge City Church-Nazarene 1700 W Ross Blvd Dodge City, KS (620) 225-5835
Zion Lutheran Church Us-50 Offerle, KS (620) 659-2078
Bible Baptist Church 1411 Central Ave Dodge City, KS (620) 225-5703
Reformed Presbyterian 405 W Locust St Minneola, KS (620) 885-4346
Our Lady of Guadalupe 3231 N 14th Ave Dodge City, KS (620) 225-4802
First Southern Baptist 3106 N 14th Ave Dodge City, KS (620) 227-6722
Bucklin United Methodist 204 S Main St Bucklin, KS (620) 826-3564
Wilroads Gardens 11293 River Rd Dodge City, KS (620) 225-5296
First Baptist Church 2710 Avenue A Dodge City, KS (785) 658-2499
Lewis United Methodist 406 Lewis St Lewis, KS (620) 324-5440
First Christian Church 232 Main St Minneola, KS (620) 885-4738
First Assembly of God 2301 N 14th Ave Dodge City, KS (620) 227-3880
Faith Fellowship 27311 Ne 232 Rd Hanston, KS (620) 525-6261
Minneola United Methodist 231 Main St Minneola, KS (620) 885-4364
Christ the King Lutheran 210 Soule St Dodge City, KS (620) 227-8181
Beth El Mennonite Church 13143 25th Ave Greensburg, KS (620) 723-3361
Lighthouse Baptist Church 208 Bloom S Minneola, KS (620) 885-4846
Cathedral Our Lady Gdlp 805 Avenue Dodge City, KS (620) 225-2726
Fort Dodge Chapel 714 Sheridan St, #128 Fort Dodge, KS (620) 227-2121
Church of Resurrection 13720 Roe Ave Leawood, KS (913) 897-0120