Day 38 Dodge City

We are huge fans of the TV western, classic Gunsmoke, all 20 years of it. So I was very excited to visit Dodge City. We even booked a site in a campground called Gunsmoke. We drove 3 1/2 hours through totally boring countryside (except for one intriguing bank building) but my excitement never wained.  Well, we arrived and the place didn’t quite live up to the brochure online but it’s an ok site. Headed to the Visiter’s Center and was immediately informed that the studio hasn’t relinquished their rights to the show so there is little references to Gunsmoke in Dodge. Disappointing. We at least got to take pictures with the life-size statue of Matt Dillon, aka James Arness, outside the VC.  I tried to put my arm around him but he was too big, over 6’8”. They have a mock town of old Dodge City with a Boot Hill museum and the Long Branch Saloon.  We are doing that tomorrow. The first thing you notice here is that there is a steady, strong 25 mph wind. It topped today at 91° so it was a very hot, dry wind. Residents say that is a constant here. Whew! Visited the historic train station where Fred Harvey had his biggest establishment in 1898. He invented “fast food”. His restaurants would accommodate the 20-25 minute train layover with quick, delicious meals served by his Harvey Girls waitresses.  He made a fortune. Outside are two giant sundials built in 1897 for the passengers to keep track of their schedules - one for Mountain time and the other for Central. We ate dinner at the Cowboy Capital Saloon. A couple interesting pictures were above us on the wall bearing John’s surname. Had to research this H.B. Bell and see what part he played in this town’s history.  “Ham” Bell moved here at 21 and opened a variety of businesses such as a livery stable (pictured), saloon, pet store, first ambulance service and furniture store. He introduced the can-can to Dodge and was eventually elected sheriff, marshall then mayor. A very influential and colorful character. Will learn more about the real Dodge City tomorrow.