Booze and Battles in the Wild West: Keith Wondra's Intriguing Exploration of Dodge City's Early Saloons and their Impact on Town Life

Wild West Podcast

Wild West Podcast
Booze and Battles in the Wild West: Keith Wondra's Intriguing Exploration of Dodge City's Early Saloons and their Impact on Town Life
Feb 18, 2023
Michael King/Brad Smalley/Keith Wondra

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Have you ever paused to ponder how the iconic saloons of Dodge City sprang to life? If you have, then this episode is designed just for you! Picture yourself journeying through time as you uncover the captivating chronicles of Dodge City's early saloons with our esteemed guest, Keith Wondra, the freshly minted curator at Dodge City Museum and a renowned author and historian.

From dark, inexpensive origins to their influence in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape, Keith guides us through every nook and cranny of these saloon stories, revealing fascinating details about these establishments that were Dodge City's lifeblood during its formative years. We discuss the infamous Saloon War of 1883 and its monumental impact on the city and its economy. We also delve into the prohibition era that significantly changed the city's saloon culture.

To wrap up our thrilling journey, we touch upon the devastating blizzard of 1887, which marked the end of Dodge City as it was known. A modern, respectable town emerged from the remnants of the old city. To learn more about this extraordinary transformation and Keith's exciting new initiative, the Coffee with the Curator program, make sure to tune in to this riveting episode. You’re about to embark on an unforgettable trip into the wild past of Dodge City's early saloons!

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If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included.

"Edward Masterson and the Texas Cowboys," penned by Michael King, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the American West, focusing on the lively and gritty cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas. This thrilling dime novel plunges into the action-packed year of Ed Masterson's life as a lawman, set against the backdrop of the chaotic cattle trade, filled with fierce conflicts, shifting loyalties, and rampant lawlessness. You can order the book on Amazon.