[Detector]

While the Gunsmoke movie did increase Dodge City's popularity, it was Dodge City that was chosen. Not Tombstone or Deadwood which both have a more Hollywood friendly name. They chose Dodge City because Dodge City was already famous.

It's true that the fame has faded but what do you expect? Have we done anything to keep that fame alive? As I've said before, do a search on MSN or Google for Old West and see what you find. You will find very little about Gunsmoke and a whole lot about what made Dodge City famous. You will also find the one name that continually pops up in these pages will be Dodge City.

I also do a lot of traveling. I do it via the Internet and visit many countries every day. Granted the places I visit have more history mined people, but I can assure you Dodge City is still very much alive to them. Don't take my word for it. Next time you visit some other board ask the question if they have ever heard of Dodge City. This Podunk city with a population of 25,000 is known worldwide, and yet we look to Garden City as an example. Simply freaking amazing. Garden City couldn't amount to a pimple on Dodge City's butt when it comes to potential.

It's been a few years since I was in school, but it seems to me I remember reading about Dodge City in history class when talking about America in the 1800's.

I think thats part of the problem in that Dodge City's real potential is not realized. Back in the 60's Dodge City jumped on the industrial wagon as did many other small towns. Again we failed to acknowledge our own potential and played follow the leader. Curtis, Curstbuster, Speedking, WW it seemed like we had some manufacturing plant of every other corner. In the 80's? it was beef packing plants. In each case we chose to ignore our only natural resource(tourism) and screw ourselves.

Drive down Dodge City streets and see the results of 40 years of failed industrialization.

Now you got me started!

It's not just Dodge City that wreaks of tourism potential, but our location. Dodge City owes it's fame to location. Ever heard of the Indian Wars? You know, that little bit of history that happened right after the civil war where we put those savages out to pasture? Just west of dodge was Fort Mann and Fort Atkinson. Fort Atkinson was host to the famed 1853 peace treaty meant to bring an end to war with the Indians in the west. And even before that Coronado's famed 1541 expedition brought him to this location. And what do we have to commemorate this crossing and first Christian service held in north America? A roadside park with a cross on a hill. Simply amazing!

Personally I believe they have the wrong spot, and Coronado actually crossed where now is 2nd street bridge, and that "hill" where the first Christian services was probably performed on was what is now known as Boot Hill. It just makes sense since as far back as 1821 the crossing at what is now 2nd street bridge was used by native Americans, and said by these native Americans to be an ancient trail used by their ancestors.

Tourism potential is literally pouring from every inch of Dodge City that has yet to be realized. Boston has it's Revolutionary war Reenactments, Gettysburg has it's Civil War Reenactments, so what happened to our Indian War Reenactments? Oh, we chose beef packing instead.

The only comfort I have as a history buff and Dodge City history fan is that Dodge City's name as a important part of history does not rely on Dodge City itself. A thousand years from now the name Dodge City will still be known because, despite it's people, it's name will forever be a major player in western history. The only choice we have is will it be known as a ghost town or a major stop for tourist.

My belief is that a casino will force Dodge City to realize it's calling. I believe 10 years from now I will be eating at Ihops and Red lobster, shopping at Sam's Club and never leave the city limits.