The Fabric of a Boomtown: Dodge City's Origin and the Characters Who Wove Its Story

Wild West Podcast

Wild West Podcast
The Fabric of a Boomtown: Dodge City's Origin and the Characters Who Wove Its Story
Jan 31, 2024
Michael King/Brad Smalley

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Ever wonder how a legendary Wild West town like Dodge City came to be? Prepare to be transported to the very roots of this iconic boomtown, where the dreams of early settlers flourished alongside the roaring trains of progress. Your ears won't believe the tales of Dodge City's first entrepreneurs, John MacDonald and George Hoover, or the dramatic fate of the Essington House's proprietor that led to the town's first burial in Boot Hill. And just wait until you hear about Frank Hopper, or Norf Mike, whose writings catapulted Dodge City into the national consciousness.

Step right up for a behind-the-scenes look at the gritty beginnings and the enterprising souls of Dodge City. You'll discover the crucial businesses—like Jacob Coller's general store and FC Zimmerman's gunsmith shop—that kept the heart of the frontier beating. And we're setting the record straight on historical figures like George Hoover and John McDonald, unearthing the impact of their actions on the town's legacy. From tales of entrepreneurship to frontier violence, this episode promises a rich narrative tapestry, wrapping you in the very fabric of American Western lore.


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"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.