National Register of Historic Places listings in Ford County, Kansas facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings or places in your town? In Ford County, Kansas, there's a list of places that are so important, they've been added to something called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that have played a big part in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past. It's like a special badge of honor for historic spots! In Ford County, there are 13 different places that have earned this recognition. Let's explore some of them and learn about their stories.
Historic Places in Ford County
Dodge City's Historic Gems
Dodge City is a famous town in Kansas, known for its Wild West history. Many of its historic places are on the National Register.
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot is an old train station in Dodge City. Train stations were super important in the past because they were the main way people and goods traveled across the country. This depot helped connect Dodge City to the rest of the United States, bringing in new people and helping the town grow. It was added to the list in 2000.
Burr House
The Burr House is a beautiful old home located at 603 West Spruce Street. Historic houses like this one give us a peek into what life was like for families many years ago. It was recognized as a historic place in 2008.
Dodge City Downtown Historic District
Instead of just one building, this is a whole area in downtown Dodge City! It includes many buildings that show what the town looked like long ago. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time to the days of cowboys and pioneers. This entire district was added to the list in 2009.
Dodge City Municipal Building
The Municipal Building is where the city government of Dodge City does its work. It's an important building because it's where decisions are made that affect everyone in the city. This building became a historic landmark in 2013.
Dodge City Public Library
Libraries are special places where people can learn and discover new things. The Dodge City Public Library building, located at 2nd and Spruce Avenues, has served the community for many years. It was added to the National Register in 1979, showing its importance in local education and culture.
Hennessy Hall, Saint Mary of the Plains Campus
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Hennessy Hall is a building on what used to be the Saint Mary of the Plains campus. This building played a role in education in Dodge City. It was listed in 2004.
Lora Locke Hotel
The Lora Locke Hotel, located at Central and Gunsmoke Streets, was once a bustling place where travelers and visitors would stay. Hotels like this were vital for people passing through or doing business in Dodge City during its early days. It was added to the list in 1985.
Mueller-Schmidt House
Another historic home in Dodge City, the Mueller-Schmidt House, gives us more clues about how people lived in the past. It was one of the first places in Ford County to be added to the National Register, back in 1972.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
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The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a large and beautiful church in Dodge City. Cathedrals are often important centers for communities and have unique architectural designs. This cathedral was recognized as historic in 1983.
Historic Places Beyond Dodge City
Ford County has other important historic sites outside of Dodge City too!
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Southeast of Spearville, near the small town of Windthorst, stands the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Churches are often central to communities, and this one has a long history. It was added to the National Register in 1989.
Santa Fe Trail Segments
The Santa Fe Trail was a very important trade route in the 19th century, connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Parts of this old trail still exist in Ford County!
Santa Fe Trail-Ford County Segment 2
This specific part of the Santa Fe Trail is located near the town of Ford. You can still see the ruts left by countless wagons that traveled this path long ago. It's like a giant historical footprint! This segment was added to the list in 2013.
Santa Fe Trail Remains (Ruts)
About 9 miles west of Dodge City, along U.S. Route 50, you can find more remains of the Santa Fe Trail. These ruts are a direct link to the past, showing where pioneers, traders, and soldiers once traveled. This section was recognized as historic way back in 1966.
Sawlog Creek Crossing on the Fort Hayes-Fort Dodge Road
This location near Spearville is another important historical spot, marking a crossing point on an old road that connected two forts. While there isn't an image for this one, it's still a significant part of the area's history, added to the list in 2013.
These historic places in Ford County help us remember the past and understand how the area grew and changed over time. They are treasures that tell the story of Kansas!
