My Travels in the American West: The Great Plains

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2014-11-23 One of the first places I went on my trip to the Great Plains was Dodge City, Kansas. It used to be a cattle town back in the days of the Old West. That means that cowboys would "drive" (herd) cattle into Dodge City. After long months on the trail, the cowboys were more than happy to stop in town and have some fun! Of course, for many of them, "fun" meant drinking and doing disreputable things. So during the time of the cattle drives, it was a rough place.

The Boot Hill Museum has a display depicting the back of a Chuck Wagon. It was the wagon where food would be cooked for cowboys when they were out on a trail drive.

A building in Dodge's downtown.

Some old parts of Dodge City still have brick streets!

This TV in the Boot Hill Museum is playing part of "Gunsmoke", a popular show that aired from 1955-1975. It took place in Dodge City during the time of the Old West.

Nighttime in an industrial part of Dodge.

The Great Plains. It felt strange to not see any mountains!

Though some parts of the region are a little more hilly.

Part of downtown Oberlin, Kansas. I did not spend much time there, but it seemed to be a typical small town.

Grain elevators are a common sight on the plains.

The Fort Cody Trading Post is a large souvenir store in North Platte, Nebraska.

One of the main things I wanted to see on my trip was Chimney Rock. It was a landmark for the pioneers who crossed the Great Plains in order to settle in the West.

I recognized it's distinctive shape from miles away!

It was a good way to end another day on the Great Plains!

Here is the other place I went this summer:

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