Join us as we venture into the past with our special guest, Connie Pinnock, Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Ford County Historical Society. Connie paints a vivid picture of the importance of preserving Fort Dodge, a pivotal piece of history that had a significant role in settling the West and safeguarding travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Interestingly, Fort Dodge remains the only fort established for this purpose in Kansas that's still waiting to be placed on the National Historic Register. Connie uncovers the potential advantages of this historic recognition, from securing federal funding to sparking renewed interest in preserving the area's rich history.

In the second half of our journey, Connie emphasizes the vital role of community engagement in preserving Fort Dodge. She encourages you to use your voice and reach out to your representatives, ensuring this historic gem does not remain overlooked. Be part of an exciting movement that not only safeguards our shared past but also brings to light the captivating history of Fort Dodge. Discover how you can contribute to the preservation of history and why it matters. Make sure to stay tuned for resources and links to keep you updated on the path to preserving Fort Dodge.

As Dodge City was made by the Santa Fe Railroad, Fort Dodge was made by the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Dodge, established in 1865, was a part of the series of early frontier forts that made the settlement of the west possible by protecting travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Thus, Fort Dodge has historical significance but has never been comprehensively evaluated for its eligibility to be placed on the National Historic Register. 

Of the three military installations in Kansas established to protect the Santa Fe Trail (including Fort Leavenworth, established in 1827, and Fort Larned, established in 1859), Fort Dodge remains the only fort not protected by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Unfortunately, this means that Fort Dodge buildings and cultural resources remain unprotected. It is time for Fort Dodge to have its place in history and be protected by the National Parks Service as a National Historic Site. This show features Connie Penick, who currently serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Ford County Historical Society and is the Committee chair of the Preservation of Fort Dodge Focus group. To receive updated progress on developments for the preservation of Fort Dodge, you can join the Facebook page at PreserveFtDodge. In addition, you can learn more about the history of Fort Dodge by going to The History of Fort Dodge. 

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