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Dodge City & The Gunsmoke Trail starts with a visit to the Boot Hill museum. From there, I’ve included representative samples of the places I’ll be discussing with you. However, Dodge City is the “cornerstone” of the Gunsmoke Trail, so I encourage you to spend some time looking for all it has to offer. As you are aware, Dodge City serves as the primary setting for the TV series.
The TV series features Marshall Matt Dillon as a US Marshall bringing law and order to the frontier. Wyatt Earp delivered law and order in the “real” frontier days. While Dillon plays it squeaky clean, Earp in those days sometimes worked both sides of the law, according to historians. In any case, Earp was a complex man. But this is about Gunsmoke. Leave Wyatt Earp to the movies and historical works. Check out this link to see an overview of the Gunsmoke Trail. You will find “Things to do” for each of the four communities at this link.
Dodge City had a legendary past in the Old West, and Gunsmoke plays it up through the eyes of Marshall Dillon. The Gunsmoke Trail focuses on the history of Dodge City and the surrounding area, as well as the other cities along the Trail.
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Let’s move on to more information. Thank you for “Riding the Trail” with me. Here’s a link to the Gunsmoke Trail website.
The Long Branch, Dodge City & Gunsmoke
The Long Branch Saloon, run by Miss Kitty, became a focal point of the show. Miss Kitty’s relationship with Matt Dillon continued to intrigue viewers. While no romantic relationship was explicitly portrayed in the series, the flirting, teasing, and a strong sense of loyalty implied that a relationship existed. Other storylines woven through the series kept viewers guessing. Gunsmoke focused on character development to keep the show fresh and engaging. Several recurring characters appeared and departed from the show during its 20-year run.
And here’s more about Dodge City, the Queen of the Cowtowns!
More to see in Dodge
Doc Holliday & Wyatt Earp did not appear in the Gunsmoke series, but they were mentioned regularly during its run. Since Marshall Dillon was a US Marshal, the series depicted him traveling to various locations along the Gunsmoke Trail. Remember, in those days, traveling took a lot longer. For example, going to Wichita now is less than a three-hour drive. Back then, it was a three-day ride!
When traveling in those days, it meant sleeping outside under the stars and risking your safety from outlaws and indians. Should I say “indigenous people?” The area was home to the Kaw, Kiowa, Osage, Pawnee, Comanche, and Ute tribes. The series typically showed Marshal Dillon objecting to the anti-Indian bias of the time. However, compared to today, Gunsmoke may have seemed racist toward indians.
Want to see a shop for my road trip photos? You can have them printed as wall art or puzzles. They also work on coffee mugs, t-shirts and more! So, take a look. Maybe you'll see something you will like!
Dodge City welcomes travelers with a well-curated museum showcasing photographs, narratives, and artifacts from the past. Take your time to visit the museum and enjoy the walking and trolley tours around town. The residents are proud of their town’s heritage and are not likely to tell you to “Get the Heck out of Dodge!” The tourism department once used the slogan “Get the heck into Dodge!”
Miss Kitty’s Cafe takes the name from the proprietor of the saloon made famous in the series. Stop in for an enjoyable breakfast or lunch. And see more about Dodge City just by walking around.
Dodge City’s early industries continue to thrive today.
Today, although cattle haven’t been driven here from Texas, the cattle business raising Kansas beef lies out of town, a safe distance from town. (To avoid the smell reaching the city!)
Here are more signs of the Old West. The longhorns are grazing near the feedlot. The silhouette is reminiscent of the Old West with mounted cowboys welcoming you to Dodge. Or as you “Get the Heck out of Dodge!”
Signs of Dodge City history
To close out the post about Dodge City and the Gunsmoke Trail here, view the images above. Boot Hill applies to men who died in gunfights, knife fights, and in the course of their work. Representing “he died with his boots on,” not sick in bed from age-related causes. The Old West movies depict many dying in gunfights and other man-made causes. In reality, there weren’t as many as portrayed. The West might not have had enough people to carry on!
The bottom images show wagon ruts that remain, many years after the wagon trails were abandoned. The ruts are difficult to see in the pictures taken. They are much more impressive when seen in person
Visit Dodge City & The Gunsmoke Trail!
There is much more to see and do in Dodge City. The above information is to give you a taste of the town. Here’s a link to the Dodge City Trolley Tours. Here’s a link to a walking tour map and a detailed list of each stop. Currently, there are more than 80 stops along the trail! Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center for the latest updates on attractions, construction, and general information. (Tell them I sent you! 🤣)
Classic Rock Recollection
“Desperado” by Eagles
Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
You’ve been out ridin’ fences for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one, but I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin’ you can hurt you somehow
Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey
#thedrivebytourist #the-driveby-tourist #minnesotablogger
