Mexican Village Signs
Next to the red caboose near the Santa Fe depot at 201 E. Wyatt Earp, a large sign details the unique history of a little Mexican village that developed in the nearby rail yard. It was home to workers from Mexico recruited by the railroad in the early 1900s. The sign tells of the workers' contribution to the development of Dodge City. At Dodge City Downs, a Hispanic-operated track, quarter horses race for the finish line. Races are held year round, usually every other Sunday. September-April, 1 p.m. May-August, 3 p.m. Bilingual organizers can answer your questions. 620.430.1768. dodgecitydowns.com (select FB). During the summer watch a movie under the stars at the 1947 South Drive-In Theatre, 1019 McAtor. 620.225.4301. FB. A white obelisk and a plaque commemorate the site of Fort Atkinson, which originally stood south of this marker. Created to protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, the small post was built entirely of sod buildings. Field mice became such a problem that the command- ing officer requisitioned cats from Fort Leavenworth! The fort only lasted four years, from 1850 to 1854. The plaque also notes that Caches, a famous campsite and a location of an early army headquarters, was just northwest of the marker. From Central, 4 miles west on U.S. 56, then just north on 107. Sixteen miles of brick streets were laid in Dodge City between 1912 and 1925, and nearly 15 miles of them still survive, including two-and-a-half miles that are part of the Downtown Historic District (NRHP) . Notice the diagonal weave pattern, especially at intersections, designed to prevent heavy vehicles from tearing up streets when making turns.