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Cattle Towns
Dust on your boots, loud saloons and the notoriety of being the wickedest, wildest or most lawless town in the west once characterized the cattle towns of Kansas. These towns were the end points where Texas cowboys would bring longhorn cattle up to Kansas to put them on trains to be shipped to points east. The long trip led to considerable rowdiness in the 1800s. Things are a bit more civilized these days, but excitement can still be found along the historic cattle trails.
Abilene - The Chisholm trail ends here. Wild Bill Hickok is one name from the past that resonates today his history can be found at Dickinson County Heritage Center or the PRCA rodeo that bears his name.
Caldwell - Known as the "Border Queen" because it was the first stop in Kansas after Indian Territory in Oklahoma. The Ghost Rider silhouettes greets you before taking you back into history as you follow the towns walking tour.
Dodge City - Perhaps the most well-known of the cattle towns. Cattle is still a big business here with cattle driven by truck to the stockyards around the city rather than driven by cowboys and dogies. But you can relive the days of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson at the Boot Hill Museum.
Ellsworth - Proud of their cattle town history Ellsworth continues the tradition of the cowboy today. A historical walking tour highlights the past while the anticipated opening of the Drover's Hall of Fame here celebrates the future.
Newton - In 1872, as the western railhead it was known as the "Bloody Newton, the wickedest town in the West." Although cattle moved on as wheat was introduced to the area making it the "Breadbasket of the World."
Wichita - Now the biggest city in Kansas, it was originally established as a trading post by Jesse Chisholm along his famous trail. Relive the experience of the old west at the Old Cowtown Museum. Dress the part with a pair of jeans from Sheplers or a hat from Hatman Jacks.
For more informat ion about the Cattle Towns in Kansas contact the Kansas Cattle Towns Coalition.
Top Photo by Roy Inman
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