113-580: The Wichita City Carnegie Library Building located at 220 S. Main Street in Wichita, Kansas , Sedgwick County, Kansas , United States, is a Carnegie library built in 1915. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The two-story, limestone Beaux Arts building stands in the southwestern part of Wichita's central business district, directly south of the old City Hall. Its façade orientation
226-556: A branch campus on St. Mary of the Plains' former grounds. Dodge City Public Library , located north of downtown, is the city's main library. A member of the Southwest Kansas Library System, it has a collection of approximately 123,000 volumes, and it circulates more than 189,000 items annually. It was founded as a Carnegie library in 1905 and moved to its current facility in 1981. The library offers several services to
339-416: A commission-manager form of government. The city commission consists of five members who serve either two-year or four-year terms, depending on the number of votes they receive. Every year, the commission selects one commissioner to serve as mayor and another to serve as vice-mayor . The commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Appointed by the commission, the city manager leads
452-404: A speculative land boom in the late 1880s, stimulating further expansion of the city. Fairmount College, which eventually grew into Wichita State University , opened in 1886; Garfield University, which eventually became Friends University , opened in 1887. By 1890, Wichita had become the third-largest city in the state after Kansas City , and Topeka , with a population of nearly 24,000. After
565-446: A bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 9.2% of the population. 31.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 98.1 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that
678-496: A brothel there from early 1874 to the middle of 1876. The area had a reputation for violence until lawmen like Wyatt stepped up enforcement, who officially joined the Wichita marshal's office on April 21, 1875. He was hired after the election of Mike Meagher as city marshal, making $ 100 per month. By the middle of the decade, the cattle trade had moved west to Dodge City . Wichita annexed Delano in 1880. Rapid immigration resulted in
791-526: A center of the industry that the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce dubbed it the "Air Capital of the World" in 1929. Over the following decades, aviation and aircraft manufacturing continued to drive expansion of the city. In 1934, Stearman's Wichita facilities became part of Boeing , which would become the city's largest employer. Initial construction of Wichita Municipal Airport finished southeast of
904-475: A destination for cattle drives traveling north from Texas to Kansas railroads, earning it the nickname "Cowtown". Wyatt Earp served as a police officer in Wichita for around one year before going to Dodge City . In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita, including Beechcraft , Cessna , and Stearman Aircraft . The city became an aircraft production hub known as "The Air Capital of
1017-479: A family was $ 49,957. Males had a median income of $ 31,400 versus $ 27,884 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,350. About 16.7% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over. Meat packing is the primary industry in Dodge City. Cargill Meat Solutions and National Beef both operate large facilities in
1130-485: A female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were not families. About 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48, and the average family size was 3.14. The median age in the city was 33.9 years; 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between 18 and 24; 26.9% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of
1243-513: A full-service pro shop, driving range, and putting green. Dodge City Country Club, the private course, is an 18-hole course built in 1916 and expanded in 1982. Two galleries support an arts community in the city. Located in the original public library building, The Carnegie Center for the Arts provides gallery space to local artists and houses the Dodge City Arts Council. The second gallery,
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#17328833688411356-463: A monitor roof. Tripartite windows with translucent glass pierce each wall of the central tower. Standing seam metal covers the gable roofs of the two main wings, the metal may have been tarred. Two skylights, which have been covered due to water leakage, pierce the gable roofs midway. The entry pavilion and the rear extension have low roofs hidden by parapets, they are likely covered with tar and gravel. The building retains its original metal drain pipes on
1469-427: A multiply moulded watertable. Three bays comprise the rectangular building's façade and rear. The building's main body is one bay deep, a one-bay-by-one-bay brick unit extends from the rear elevation's center bay. A parapetted entry pavilion projects from the facade's center bay. A short, square tower rises from the building's central bay, covered by a rounded, truncated hipped roof sheathed with pantiles and surmounted by
1582-589: A satellite station of Smoky Hills Public Television , the Public Broadcasting Service member network covering western Kansas; and KDDC-LD a sister station of KDGL-LD in Sublette, Kansas . The city's Parks and Recreation Department maintains 21 parks in the city. The largest is Wright Park, located immediately south of downtown and home to the Dodge City Zoo. Legends Park, in the northern part of
1695-441: A separate race. The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 63.39% (251,997) white , 10.95% (43,537) black or African-American , 1.33% (5,296) Native American , 5.09% (20,225) Asian , 0.12% (482) Pacific Islander , 7.41% (29,444) from other races , and 11.71% (46,551) from two or more races. The racial and ethnic makeup (where Hispanics are excluded from the racial counts and placed in their own category)
1808-596: A stopping point for travelers. Others saw the commercial potential of the region with the Santa Fe Railroad rapidly approaching from the east. In 1872, Dodge City was staked out on the 100th meridian and the legal western boundary of the Fort Dodge reservation. The town site was platted and George M. Hoover established the first bar in a tent to serve thirsty soldiers from Fort Dodge. The railroad arrived in September to find
1921-506: A town company, and surveyor Darius Munger built a log structure for the company to serve as a hotel, community center, and post office. Business opportunities attracted area hunters and traders, and a new settlement began to form. That summer, Mead and others organized the Wichita Town Company, naming the settlement after the Wichita tribe. In 1870, Munger and German immigrant William "Dutch Bill" Greiffenstein filed plats laying out
2034-503: A town ready and waiting for business. The early settlers in Dodge City traded in buffalo bones and hides and provided a civilian community for Fort Dodge. With the arrival of the railroad, Dodge City soon became involved in the cattle trade. The idea of driving Texas Longhorn cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas originated in the late 1850s, but was cut short by the Civil War. In 1866,
2147-784: A variety of exhibits portraying the culture of the city's early years. The museum's larger exhibits include: Front Street, a partial reconstruction of downtown Dodge City as it existed in 1876; the Long Branch Saloon and the Long Branch Variety Show ; the Saratoga Saloon; the Hardesty House, a period-typical home built in 1879; the city's original Boot Hill Cemetery; and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame . The Santa Fe Trail Remains , located 9 miles (14 km) west of
2260-577: A year and 100 °F (38 °C) an average of 12 days a year. The minimum temperature falls to or below 10 °F (−12 °C) on an average 7.7 days a year. The hottest temperature recorded in Wichita was 114 °F (46 °C) in 1936; the coldest temperature recorded was −22 °F (−30 °C) on February 12, 1899 . Readings as low as −17 °F (−27 °C) and as high as 111 °F (44 °C) occurred as recently as February 16, 2021, and July 29–30, 2012 , respectively. Wichita receives on average about 34.31 inches (871 mm) of precipitation
2373-469: A year, most of which falls in the warmer months, and experiences 87 days of measurable precipitation. The average relative humidity is 80% in the morning and 49% in the evening. Annual snowfall averages 12.7 inches (32 cm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of nine days per year with at least an inch of snow falling on four of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 12 days per year. The average window for freezing temperatures
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#17328833688412486-517: A year. The highest officially recorded temperature was 111 °F (44 °C) on June 27, 2012 , while the lowest temperature officially recorded was −26 °F (−32 °C) on February 12, 1899 . The record cold daily maximum is −13 °F (−25 °C) on January 13, 1875, and conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 83 °F (28 °C) last set June 13, 2022. The 2020 United States census counted 27,788 people, 9,000 households, and 6,399 families in Dodge City. The population density
2599-435: Is Eastborough . Adjacent to the city's east side is Andover . McConnell Air Force Base is in the extreme southeast corner of the city. To the south, from east to west, lie Derby and Haysville . Goddard and Maize border Wichita to the west and northwest, respectively. Wichita lies within the humid subtropical climate zone ( Köppen Cfa ), typically experiencing hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Located on
2712-409: Is manufacturing , which accounted for 21.6% of area employment in 2003. Aircraft manufacturing has long dominated the local economy, and plays such an important role that it has the ability to influence the economic health of the entire region; the state offers tax breaks and other incentives to aircraft manufacturers. Healthcare is Wichita's second-largest industry, employing about 28,000 people in
2825-415: Is October 25 through April 9. Wichita is consistently ranked as one of the worst major cities in the nation for seasonal allergies, due largely to tree and grass pollen (partly from surrounding open plains and pastureland), and smoke from frequent burning of fields by the region's farmers and ranchers, driven by the strong Kansas winds. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , ranked Wichita—out of
2938-578: Is also published in the city. Along with Garden City , Dodge City is a center of broadcast media for southwestern Kansas. Two AM radio stations, seven FM radio stations, and four television stations are licensed to and/or broadcast from the area. Dodge City is located in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market . The four stations that broadcast from the city include: one CBS and one FOX network affiliate , both of which are satellite stations of their respective affiliates in Wichita;
3051-438: Is located downtown. Fixed-route bus service provided by D-TRAN operates between 6am and 7pm Monday-Friday. The Utilities Division of the city government's Public Works Department operates and maintains the city's water and waste water distribution systems. The department's Sanitation Division provides trash pickup. Operations Management International, Inc. (OMI), a private contractor, provides waste water treatment, pumping
3164-670: Is not a part of the Wichita MSA or Wichita-Winfield CSA, but, were it included, it would add an additional population of 64,511 as of 2010. It is the birthplace of famous restaurants such as White Castle and Pizza Hut . A survey of well-known Kansas-based brands conducted by RSM Marketing Services and the Wichita Consumer Research Center showed many of the top-25 Kansas-based brands such as Koch , Coleman , Cessna , Pizza Hut, Beechcraft , Freddy's , and more are based in Wichita. Wichita's principal industrial sector
3277-531: Is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Sedgwick County . As of the 2020 census , the population of the city was 397,532. The Wichita metro area had a population of 647,610 in 2020. It is located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River . Wichita began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and was incorporated as a city in 1870. It became
3390-419: Is the coldest month, July is the hottest month, and June is the wettest month. The high temperature reaches or exceeds 90 °F (32.2 °C) an average of 71 days a year and reaches or exceeds 100 °F (37.8 °C) an average of 14 days a year; the last year that failed to reach 100 °F (37.8 °C) was 1958. The minimum temperature falls to or below 0 °F (−18 °C) an average of 2.1 days
3503-686: Is the principal city of both the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the Wichita-Winfield Combined Statistical Area (CSA) . The Wichita MSA encompasses Sedgwick, Butler , Harvey , and Sumner counties and, as of 2010, had a population of 623,061, making it the 84th largest MSA in the United States. The larger Wichita-Winfield CSA also includes Cowley County and, as of 2013, had an estimated population of 673,598. Nearby Reno County
Wichita City Carnegie Library Building - Misplaced Pages Continue
3616-555: Is the third-largest post-secondary institution in the state. Archaeological evidence indicates human habitation near the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers , the site of present-day Wichita, as early as 3000 BC. In 1541, a Spanish expedition led by explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado found the area populated by the Quivira, or Wichita, people . Conflict with the Osage in
3729-660: Is west. The building measures approximately one hundred and twenty-eight feet from north to south and eighty-three feet from east to west. After the completion of Wichita's Central Library in 1966, the Wichita City Carnegie Library Building served as city offices and the municipal court until the Wichita Omnisphere and Science Center established its tenancy in 1976, followed by changing tenants. The two-story, ashlar cut, limestone block building sits on an ashlar cut, limestone block, raised foundation with
3842-545: The American Civil War , and established a settlement on the banks of the Little Arkansas. During this period, trader Jesse Chisholm established a trading post at the site, one of several along a trail extending south to Texas which became known as the Chisholm Trail . In 1867, after the war, the Wichita returned to Indian Territory. In 1868, trader James R. Mead was among a group of investors who established
3955-671: The Andover, Kansas tornado outbreak of April 1991, and during the Oklahoma tornado outbreak of May 1999. Winters are cold and dry; since Wichita is roughly midway between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico , cold spells and warm spells are equally frequent. Warm air masses from the Gulf of Mexico can raise midwinter temperatures into the 50s and even 60s (°F), while cold-air masses from the Arctic can occasionally plunge
4068-656: The Civil War in their homeland. Thousands of immigrants from Vietnam moved to Wichita in the aftermath of the Vietnam War . The 2020 United States census counted 397,532 people, 154,683 households, and 92,969 families in Wichita. The population density was 2,454.1 per square mile (947.5/km ). There were 172,801 housing units at an average density of 1,066.7 per square mile (411.9/km ). The U.S. census accounts for race by two methodologies. "Race alone" and "Race alone less Hispanics" where Hispanics are delineated separately as if
4181-514: The Garvey Center , and the Epic Center . Old Town is also part of downtown; this 50-acre (0.20 km ) area is home to a cluster of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, a movie theater, shops, and apartments and condominiums, many of which make use of historical warehouse-type spaces. Two notable residential areas of Wichita are Riverside and College Hill . Riverside is northwest of downtown, across
4294-459: The Great Plains , far from any large moderating influences such as mountains or large bodies of water, Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Particularly destructive ones have struck the Wichita area several times in the course of its history - in September 1965, during
4407-576: The Joint Commission , it serves as a referral center for southwestern Kansas. The Dodge City Daily Globe is the city's daily newspaper with a circulation of approximately 7,000 copies. In addition, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dodge City publishes a weekly newspaper, The Southwest Kansas Catholic , formerly known as The Southwest Kansas Register . The High Plains Journal , a weekly trade journal covering regional agricultural news,
4520-705: The La Junta Subdivision of the BNSF Railway , which runs east-west; the main line of the Cimarron Valley Railroad of which Dodge City is the northeastern terminus; and the Boot Hill and Western Railway of which the city is the northwestern terminus. Using the BNSF trackage, Amtrak provides passenger rail service on its Southwest Chief line between Chicago and Los Angeles . Amtrak's Dodge City station
4633-546: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 14.55 square miles (37.68 km ), of which 14.44 square miles (37.40 km ) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km ) is water. Dodge City lies at the intersection of North America's semi-arid ( Köppen BSk ) and humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa ) zones, with hot summers, highly variable winters, both warm and very cold periods, and low to moderate humidity and precipitation throughout
Wichita City Carnegie Library Building - Misplaced Pages Continue
4746-420: The "hog" as a mascot after one of their riders, Ray Weishaar , brought a piglet from his farm with him to the race. Motorcycle races continued in Dodge City into the 1950s, and attracted significant talent throughout this time, though Dodge's prominence as a hub for motorcycle racing would gradually fade over time. Dodge City was also a site for automobile races, with racers such as Carroll Shelby taking part in
4859-627: The 1750s drove the Wichita further south. Prior to European settlement of the region, the site was in the territory of the Kiowa . Claimed first by France as part of Louisiana and later acquired by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it became part of Kansas Territory in 1854 and then the state of Kansas in 1861. The Wichita people returned in 1863, driven from their land in Indian Territory by Confederate forces in
4972-409: The 1920s. The careers and fortunes of future oil moguls Archibald Derby, who later founded Derby Oil , and Fred C. Koch , who established what would become Koch Industries , both began in Wichita during this period. The money generated by the oil boom enabled local entrepreneurs to invest in the nascent airplane-manufacturing industry. In 1917, Clyde Cessna built his Cessna Comet in Wichita,
5085-538: The 1970s, Wichita has continued to grow steadily into the 21st century. In the late 1990s and 2000s, the city government and local organizations began collaborating to redevelop downtown Wichita and older neighborhoods in the city. Intrust Bank Arena opened downtown in 2010. Boeing ended its operations in Wichita in 2014. However, the city remains a national center of aircraft manufacturing with other companies including Spirit AeroSystems and Airbus maintaining facilities in Wichita. Wichita Mid-Continent Airport
5198-443: The 21st century, most becoming low-income neighborhoods. In terms of population, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and the 49th largest city in the United States, according to the 2020 census . Wichita has an extensive history of attracting immigrants. Starting in 1895, a population of Lebanese Americans moved to the city, many of whom were Orthodox Christians . A second wave of Lebanese migrants moved to Wichita to flee
5311-583: The Arkansas River near the western edge of the Flint Hills in the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands region of the Great Plains . The area's topography is characterized by the broad alluvial plain of the Arkansas River valley and the moderately rolling slopes that rise to the higher lands on either side. The Arkansas follows a winding course, south-southeast through Wichita, roughly bisecting
5424-423: The Arkansas River, and surrounds the 120-acre (0.49 km ) Riverside Park. College Hill is east of downtown and south of Wichita State University. It is one of the more historic neighborhoods, along with Delano on the west side and Midtown in the north-central city. Four other historic neighborhoods—developed in southeast Wichita (particularly near Boeing , Cessna and Beech aircraft plants) -- are among
5537-526: The Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, a parade, a beauty pageant, music concerts, a golf tournament, arts and craft shows, and other activities. Several other community events are held throughout the year. In early May, the city's sizable Mexican community celebrates Cinco de Mayo in Wright Park with live music, folk dance performances, and traditional Mexican cuisine . To celebrate Independence Day ,
5650-534: The Kansas State Legislature to do something about splenic fever , known today as anthrax. Consequently, in 1885, the quarantine line was extended across the state and the Western Trail was all but shut down. By the mid-1880s, Dodge City began working to change its image away from that of a violent western town and towards that of a more peaceful and civilized location. In 1878, for example, the bodies in
5763-565: The Parsons School of Fine Art in New York. In 1987 it was described that the building "maintains its original atrium floorplan and ceramic tiled floors. The beamed and coffered first level ceiling, the Doric pilasters below the ceiling beams, the first level marble columns, the egg and dart moulding ceiling cornice on the first level, the wooden door and window surrounds, the double cast iron staircase in
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#17328833688415876-649: The Second Avenue Art Guild, exhibits the work of regional artists in ceramics, photography, and other media. The Depot Theater Company, based in the former Santa Fe Railroad Depot, puts on theatrical productions throughout the year. Founded in 1984, the group performs in both the old depot and the Occident Theater. Each summer, the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce holds Dodge City Days, the city's annual community festival. Lasting ten days, it includes
5989-530: The U.S. Army arrived to provide protection in the region and constructed Fort Atkinson on the old Fort Mann site. The army abandoned Fort Atkinson in 1853. Military forces on the Santa Fe Trail were re-established farther north and east at Fort Larned in 1859, but the area remained vacant around what would become Dodge City until the end of the Civil War . In April 1865, the American Frontier Wars in
6102-555: The West began heating up, and the army constructed Fort Dodge to assist Fort Larned in providing protection on the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Dodge remained in operation until 1882. The town of Dodge City can trace its origins to 1871, when rancher Henry L. Sitler built a sod house west of Fort Dodge to oversee his cattle operations in the region, conveniently located near the Santa Fe Trail and Arkansas River , and Sitler's house quickly became
6215-456: The West, many of whom participated in the Dodge City War of 1883. It had saloons, gambling halls, and brothels, including the Long Branch Saloon and China Doll brothel. For a time in 1884, Dodge City had a bullfighting ring where Mexican bullfighters would put on a show with specially chosen Longhorn bulls. As more agricultural settlers moved into western Kansas, pressure increased on
6328-455: The World". Textron Aviation , Learjet , Airbus , and Boeing / Spirit AeroSystems continue to operate design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita, and the city remains a major center of the American aircraft industry . Several airports located within the city of Wichita include McConnell Air Force Base , Colonel James Jabara Airport , and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport ,
6441-589: The age of 18 and 9.9% of those ages 65 or over. As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 27,340 people, 8,777 households, and 6,241 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,893.6 inhabitants per square mile (731.1/km ). There were 9,378 housing units at an average density of 649.5 per square mile (250.8/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 72.5% White , 2.5% African American , 1.1% Native American , 1.6% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 19.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 57.5% of
6554-472: The age of 18; 42.6% were married couples living together; 29.4% had a female householder with no spouse present. 33.2% of households consisted of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.2. 24.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
6667-514: The airport to establish McConnell Air Force Base . By 1954, all nonmilitary air traffic had shifted to the new Wichita Mid-Continent Airport west of the city. In 1962, Lear Jet Corporation opened with its plant adjacent to the new airport. Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, several other prominent businesses and brands had their origins in Wichita. A. A. Hyde founded health-care products maker Mentholatum in Wichita in 1889. Sporting goods and camping-gear retailer Coleman started in
6780-421: The boom, however, the city entered an economic recession, and many of the original settlers went bankrupt. In 1914 and 1915, deposits of oil and natural gas were discovered in nearby Butler County . This triggered another economic boom in Wichita as producers established refineries, fueling stations, and headquarters in the city. By 1917, five operating refineries were in Wichita, with another seven built in
6893-536: The cattle trade in Dodge City were from 1883 to 1884, and during that time the town grew tremendously. In 1880, Dodge City got a new competitor for the cattle trade from the border town of Caldwell . For a few years, the competition between the towns was fierce, but enough cattle were available for both towns to prosper. Dodge City became known as a true frontier settlement of the Old West . Dodge City had more gunfighters working at one time or another than any other town in
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#17328833688417006-688: The central role of agriculture in the local economy. The Ford County Fair is held in July and includes 4-H and FFA exhibits, competitions, and shows, as well as other activities. Also in July, the Western Kansas Manufacturers Association (WKMA) holds the 3i Show, an agri-business expo of agricultural products, technology, and services. Located in and around the city are a number of historical sites, museums, and landmarks dedicated to Dodge City's Old West heritage. The Boot Hill Museum, located downtown, contains thousands of artifacts and
7119-448: The city administration, executes the commission's policies, and develops operational programs to meet the city's needs. As the county seat , Dodge City is the administrative center of Ford County. The county courthouse is located downtown, and all departments of the county government base their operations in the city. Dodge City lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District . For
7232-539: The city holds its Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, which includes a fireworks display and children's activities at Boot Hill. Christmas in Old Dodge City, the city's winter holiday festival, starts in late November and lasts until Christmas . It begins with a formal Christmas tree lighting downtown, a chili cook-off, and the Parade of Lights, a parade of floats decorated with Christmas lights. Two other annual events reflect
7345-498: The city in 1935. During World War II , the site hosted Wichita Army Airfield and Boeing Airplane Company Plant No. 1. The city experienced a population explosion during the war when it became a major manufacturing center for the Boeing B-29 bomber. The wartime city quickly grew from 110,000 to 184,000 residents, drawing aircraft workers from throughout the central U.S. In 1951, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to assume control of
7458-485: The city in the early 1900s. A number of fast-food franchises started in Wichita, beginning with White Castle in 1921 and followed by many more in the 1950s and 1960s including Pizza Hut in 1958. In the 1970s and 1980s, the city became a regional center of health care and medical research. Wichita has been a focal point of national political controversy multiple times in its history. In 1900, famous temperance extremist Carrie Nation struck in Wichita upon learning
7571-416: The city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The median income for a household in the city was $ 44,477, and for a family was $ 57,088. Males had a median income of $ 42,783 versus $ 32,155 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 24,517. About 12.1% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over. Wichita
7684-418: The city was 71.9% White , 11.5% African American , 4.8% Asian , 1.2% American Indian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 6.2% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 15.3% of the population. Of the 151,818 households, 33.4% had children under 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, 13.1% had
7797-412: The city was not enforcing Kansas's prohibition ordinance. The Dockum Drug Store sit-in took place in the city in 1958 with protesters pushing for desegregation . In 1991, thousands of anti-abortion protesters blockaded and held sit-ins at Wichita abortion clinics, particularly the clinic of George Tiller . Tiller was later murdered in Wichita by Scott Roeder in 2009. Except for a slow period in
7910-468: The city's first streets. Wichita formally incorporated as a city on July 21, 1870. Wichita's position on the Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives traveling north from Texas to access railroads, which led to markets in eastern U.S. cities. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reached the city in 1872. As a result, Wichita became a railhead for the cattle drives, earning it
8023-455: The city's southern and eastern fringe. The U.S. 50 business route runs concurrently with U.S. 56, U.S. 283, and U.S. 400 at different points through the southern part and around the eastern part of the city. Dodge City Regional Airport is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the city. Used primarily for general aviation , it hosts one commercial airline with daily flights to Denver, CO . Three railroads serve Dodge City:
8136-507: The city's waste water to treatment holding ponds 12 miles south of the city. The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., part of the Mid-Kansas Electric Company, delivers electricity to the city. Local residents primarily use natural gas as their heating fuel; natural gas service is provided by Black Hills Energy . The Western Plains Medical Complex is the sole hospital in Dodge City. A 100-bed hospital accredited by
8249-478: The city, are preserved wagon tracks from a section of the Santa Fe Trail. The Ford County Historical Society maintains the Mueller-Schmidt House, called the "Home of Stone." Built from area limestone in 1881, it is the oldest building in the city still standing at its original site. Other historical landmarks include: El Capitan, a life-sized bronze sculpture of a Texas Longhorn steer built to commemorate
8362-512: The city, is a four-diamond, tournament-level baseball and softball complex that hosts both youth and adult league games. The city also maintains the St. Mary Soccer Complex, which includes six full-size game pads and three junior-sized fields, and the municipal pool. There are two golf courses in the city, one public and one private. Mariah Hills Municipal Golf Course, the public course, is an 18-hole course built in 1974 and redesigned in 1990. It includes
8475-433: The city. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 163.59 sq mi (423.70 km ), of which 4.30 sq mi (11.14 km ) are covered by water. As the core of the Wichita metropolitan area , the city is surrounded by suburbs. Bordering Wichita on the north are, from west to east, Valley Center , Park City , Kechi , and Bel Aire . Enclosed within east-central Wichita
8588-408: The city. The city also hosts farm implement manufacturing and serves as a supply center for area agriculture. Livestock -raising is a major activity while wheat and sorghum are the area's main crops. In addition, a local tourism industry, including a casino resort, has developed to capitalize on Dodge City's history as an Old West cowtown. The service sector accounts for much of the rest of
8701-528: The city. It is joined along its course by several tributaries, all of which flow generally south. The largest is the Little Arkansas River, which enters the city from the north and joins the Arkansas immediately west of downtown. Further east lies Chisholm Creek , which joins the Arkansas in the far southern part of the city. The Chisholm's own tributaries drain much of the city's eastern half; these include
8814-476: The city: Sacred Heart Cathedral School (Pre-K-8). Dodge City Community College (DCCC) , a two-year public college with approximately 2,000 students, is located in the northwestern part of the city. From 1952 to 1993, Dodge City was also home to St. Mary of the Plains College , a private, four-year Catholic liberal arts college . Newman University , a Catholic university based in Wichita, now operates
8927-510: The creek's West, Middle, and East Forks, as well as further south, Gypsum Creek. The Gypsum is fed by its own tributary, Dry Creek. Two more of the Arkansas's tributaries lie west of its course; from east to west, these are Big Slough Creek and Cowskin Creek. Both run south through the western part of the city. Fourmile Creek, a tributary of the Walnut River , flows south through the far eastern part of
9040-738: The events. Dodge City lies on the Arkansas River in the High Plains region of the Great Plains . The city sits above one of the world's largest underground water systems, the Ogallala Aquifer , and is 25 miles (40 km) from the eastern edge of the Hugoton Natural Gas Area . Located at the intersection of U. S. Routes 50 , 56 and 283 in southwestern Kansas, Dodge City is 151 mi (243 km) west of Wichita , 199 mi (320 km) northeast of Amarillo , and 301 mi (484 km) southeast of Denver . According to
9153-594: The first Texas cattle started arriving in Baxter Springs in southeastern Kansas by way of the Shawnee Trail . Texas Longhorn cattle carried a tick that spread Texas cattle fever , among other breeds of cattle. Alarmed Kansas farmers persuaded the Kansas State Legislature to establish a quarantine line in central Kansas. The quarantine prohibited Texas Longhorns from the heavily settled, eastern portion of
9266-561: The first aircraft built in the city. In 1920, two local oilmen invited Chicago aircraft builder Emil "Matty" Laird to manufacture his designs in Wichita, leading to the formation of the Swallow Airplane Company . Two early Swallow employees, Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech , went on to found two prominent Wichita-based companies, Stearman Aircraft in 1926 and Beechcraft in 1932, respectively. Cessna, meanwhile, started his own company in Wichita in 1927. The city became such
9379-440: The largest airport in Kansas. As an industrial hub, Wichita is a regional center of culture, media, and trade. It hosts several universities, large museums, theaters, parks, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, most notably Intrust Bank Arena and Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center . The city's Old Cowtown Museum maintains historical artifacts and exhibits the city's early history. Wichita State University
9492-416: The largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: manufacturing (33.0%); educational services, health care, and social assistance (18.1%); and retail trade (9.4%). The cost of living in Dodge City is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 79.3. As of 2010, the median home value in the city was $ 83,300, the median selected monthly owner cost
9605-422: The local area. Since healthcare needs remain fairly consistent regardless of the economy, this field was not subject to the same pressures that affected other industries in the early 2000s. The Kansas Spine Hospital opened in 2004, as did a critical-care tower at Wesley Medical Center . In July 2010, Via Christi Health, which is the largest provider of healthcare services in Kansas, opened a hospital that will serve
9718-561: The local economy. As of 2010, 70.9% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.3% was in the armed forces, and 70.5% was in the civilian labor force with 66.9% being employed and 3.6% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 23.3% in management, business, science, and arts; 16.4% in sales and office occupations; 10.9% in service occupations; 15.2% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 34.2% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing
9831-421: The median household income was $ 52,654 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 2,947) and the median family income was $ 61,993 (+/- $ 5,366). Males had a median income of $ 35,569 (+/- $ 3,963) versus $ 25,217 (+/- $ 2,969) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 31,089 (+/- $ 1,012). Approximately, 9.7% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 17.0% of those under
9944-403: The nation's 100 largest cities—6th worst for people with allergies in 2016, 3rd worst in 2021, 2nd worst in 2022, and worst nationwide in 2023. Wichita has several recognized areas and neighborhoods. The downtown area is generally considered to be east of the Arkansas River, west of Washington Street, north of Kellogg, and south of 13th Street. It contains landmarks such as Century II ,
10057-445: The nation's few remaining examples of U.S. government-funded temporary World War II housing developments to support war factory personnel: Beechwood (now mostly demolished), Oaklawn, Hilltop (the city's highest-density large neighborhood), and massive Planeview (where over 30 languages are spoken) -- in all, home to about a fifth of the city's population at their peak. Though designed as temporary housing, all have remained occupied into
10170-559: The nearest bus stop. While the county provided transportation, voters had to arrange for it in advance. A lawsuit over the issue was dismissed after Debbie Cox, the county clerk, agreed to open two polling places in the next election. Dodge City USD 443 public school district serves over 6,000 students and operates 14 schools in the city, including one early childhood center, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school , and one alternative school. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dodge City oversees one Catholic school in
10283-465: The nickname "Cowtown". Across the Arkansas River, the town of Delano became an entertainment destination for cattlemen thanks to its saloons, brothels, and lack of law enforcement. James Earp ran a brothel with his wife Nellie "Bessie" Ketchum. His brother Wyatt was likely a pimp, although historian Gary L. Roberts believes that he was an enforcer or bouncer. Local arrest records show that Earp's common-law wife Sally and James' wife Nellie managed
10396-456: The northwest area of Wichita. Via Christi Hospital on St. Teresa is the system's fifth hospital to serve the Wichita community. In 2016, Wesley Healthcare opened Wesley Children's Hospital, the first and only children's hospital in the Wichita area. Thanks to the early 20th-century oil boom in neighboring Butler County, Kansas , Wichita became a major oil town, with dozens of oil-exploration companies and support enterprises. Most famous of these
10509-471: The notorious "Boot Hill" cemetery were moved to the newly established Prairie Grove Cemetery, and a new schoolhouse was built on Boot Hill. In 1907 Andrew Carnegie donated money for the construction of a new public library in Dodge City. Dodge City was also a significant hub for racing for many years, and it held the first World Championship 300 Mile Motorcycle Race on July 4, 1914. Notable attendees included William Harley and Walter Davidson, who adopted
10622-417: The outer edges of the façade and the rear extension. A limestone or terracotta entablature, consisting of a multiply moulded bottom course surmounted by an egg and dart architrave, a bracketed frieze, and an incised vegetal and shell motif cornice engages the building on all elevations except the rear. The interior was designed by interior designer Louise Caldwell Murdock, a noted interior designer trained at
10735-440: The population. There were 8,777 households, of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.9% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
10848-586: The public, including computer classes, public internet access, and programs for children and adults. Another library in the city is the DCCC Library, which holds more than 30,000 volumes and serves as a federal depository library . Originally a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Dodge City was later located on the National Old Trails Road , also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, which followed
10961-583: The purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature , the city is located in the 38th district of the Kansas Senate and the 115th and 119th districts of the Kansas House of Representatives . Dodge City was criticized by Johnny Dunlap, Ford County Democratic Party's chairman, for only having one polling place for 13,000 voters. For the 2018 election, it was moved outside the city limits one mile from
11074-520: The quarantine line westward, which essentially eliminated Abilene and the other cowtowns from the cattle trade. With no place else to go, Dodge City suddenly became the "queen of the cow towns." A new route known as the Great Western Cattle Trail or Western Trail branched off from the Chisholm Trail to lead cattle into Dodge City. Dodge City became a boomtown, with thousands of cattle passing annually through its stockyards. The peak years of
11187-425: The state. With the cattle trade forced west, Texas Longhorns began moving north along the Chisholm Trail . In 1867, the main cowtown was Abilene, Kansas . Profits were high, and other towns quickly joined in the cattle boom: Newton in 1871, Ellsworth in 1872, and Wichita in 1872. In 1876, however, the Kansas State Legislature responded to pressure from farmers settling in central Kansas and once again shifted
11300-553: The temperature below 0 °F. Wind speed in the city averages 13 mph (21 km/h). On average, January is the coldest month (and the driest), July the hottest, and May the wettest. The average temperature in the city is 57.7 °F (14.3 °C). Over the course of a year, the monthly daily average temperature ranges from 33.2 °F (0.7 °C) in January to 81.5 °F (27.5 °C) in July. The high temperature reaches or exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 65 days
11413-488: The trail's path in western Kansas upon its establishment in 1912. Currently, four U.S. Highways meet in Dodge City: U.S. Route 50 , U.S. Route 56 , U.S. Route 283 , and U.S. Route 400 . U.S. 50, an east-west route, runs through the northern part of the city. U.S. 400, which also runs east-west, runs through the southern part of the city. U.S. 56, an east-west route, and U.S. 283, a north-south route, run concurrently around
11526-490: The vestibule, and the three story, classically detailed atrium surround are retained." In 2006, Fidelity Bank purchased the building, and is now its corporate headquarters. This article about a property in Kansas on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Wichita, Kansas Wichita ( / ˈ w ɪ tʃ ɪ t ɔː / WITCH -ih-taw )
11639-448: The year; it is part of USDA Hardiness zone 6b. Areas to the west are drier and more strongly semi-arid. Severe weather, including tornadoes , is common in the area, especially in the spring months. Dodge City is often cited as the windiest city in the United States with an average speed of 13.9 mph (22.4 km/h), which results in occasional blizzards in the winter, even when snowfall does not accumulate much. On average, January
11752-431: Was $ 1,013 for housing units with a mortgage and $ 450 for those without, and the median gross rent was $ 571. In late 2023, Hilmar Cheese is scheduled to open a new $ 550 million cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City. Cargill Meat Solutions and National Beef are the two largest employers. Other major employers include local government, schools, retail stores, and health care providers. Dodge City has
11865-494: Was $ 31,875 (+/- $ 408). Approximately, 10.9% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 21.4% of those under the age of 18 and 8.7% of those ages 65 or over. As of the census of 2010 , 382,368 people, 151,818 households, and 94,862 families were residing in the city. The population density was 2,304.8 inhabitants per square mile (889.9/km ). The 167,310 housing units had an average density of 1,022.1 per square mile (394.6/km ). The racial makeup of
11978-515: Was 1,888.3 per square mile (729.1/km ). There were 9,869 housing units at an average density of 670.6 per square mile (258.9/km ). The racial makeup was 44.58% (12,387) white or European American (29.25% non-Hispanic white ), 3.39% (943) black or African-American , 2.43% (675) Native American or Alaska Native , 1.38% (383) Asian , 0.05% (13) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian , 27.68% (7,692) from other races , and 20.49% (5,695) from two or more races . Hispanic or Latino of any race
12091-411: Was 3.05, and the average family size was 3.60. The median age in the city was 28.9 years. 31.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 19.6% were from 45 to 64; and 8.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.4% male and 48.6% female. The median income for a household was $ 43,994, and the median income for
12204-471: Was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 53,466 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 1,028) and the median family income $ 69,930 (+/- $ 1,450). Males had a median income of $ 38,758 (+/- $ 1,242) versus $ 26,470 (+/- $ 608) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old
12317-400: Was 58.79% (233,703) White (non-Hispanic) , 10.62% (42,228) Black (non-Hispanic) , 0.86% (3,400) Native American (non-Hispanic) , 5.03% (19,991) Asian (non-Hispanic) , 0.11% (429) Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic) , 0.40% (1,585) from other race (non-Hispanic) , 5.89% (23,410) from two or more races, and 18.31% (72,786) Hispanic or Latino. Of the 154,683 households, 26.6% had children under
12430-429: Was 63.91% (17,759) of the population. Of the 9,000 households, 43.8% had children under the age of 18; 48.2% were married couples living together; 25.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 23.3% of households consisted of individuals and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.1 and the average family size was 3.7. The percent of those with
12543-439: Was Koch Industries, today a global natural-resources conglomerate. The city was also at one time the headquarters of the former Derby Oil Company , which was purchased by Coastal Corporation in 1988. Dodge City, Kansas Dodge City is a city in, and the county seat of, Ford County, Kansas , United States. As of the 2020 census , the population of the city was 27,788. It was named after nearby Fort Dodge , which
12656-493: Was named in honor of Grenville Dodge . The city is known in American culture for its history as a wild frontier town of the Old West . The first settlement in the area that became Dodge City was Fort Mann, built by civilians in 1847. At that time, the territory was part of Mexico, and the fort was built to provide protection for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail . Fort Mann collapsed in 1848 after an attack by Natives . In 1850,
12769-513: Was officially renamed Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport after the Kansas native and U.S. President in 2015. Wichita is in south-central Kansas at the junction of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 54 . Part of the Midwestern United States , it is 157 mi (253 km) north of Oklahoma City , 181 mi (291 km) southwest of Kansas City , and 439 mi (707 km) east-southeast of Denver . The city lies on
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