History

The Dodge City Trail of Fame, Inc. began as a simple idea back in the late 1980's. Then, in conjunction with the project to restore the huge Santa Fe Depot building, Downtown Dodge, Inc. developed a committee of a few forward-thinking citizens with the thought "If Hollywood can do it, why can't we?"

Downtown Dodge, Inc. secured initial funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Development Division (KDOC), thereby beginning the process for the Dodge City Trail of Fame. This $100,000 grant paid for initial planning, marketing and placement of the 24-inch bronze medallions into the sidewalks throughout the Dodge City historic district as well as other beautification efforts around the historic district. Additional funding through grants in aid was obtained from the City of Dodge City and the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In 2004, the project had grown to the point where it had taken on a life of its own so a new entity, the Dodge City Trail of Fame, Inc. was formed with its own board of directors and group of special leaders, volunteers and supporters. The organization then sheltered with the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas until its own Federal not-for-profit status was granted. The organization was again successful with a second Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Division for 2005. This grant is for the installation of digital audio recorders along the Trail so people will be able to learn our history during the off season when tour guides will not be available.

The Dodge City Trail of Fame, Inc. is made up of a group of Dodge Citians who believe strongly in the community, including members of the Depot Theater Company, the BootHill Museum, the Kansas Heritage Center, the Dodge City Commissioners, and Dodge City Festivals, Inc., as well as some local businesses. There are no paid employees and there is no office as of 2005. However, this group of people have done what many said could not be done, and they look forward to doing far more as the years go by. Please contact us to see who is involved with this project. Oh! And be sure to thank them the next time you see them!