Due to highway construction, the white obelisk that once stood here was removed in 2023. Thankfully, the plaque that originally commemorated the site of Fort Atkinson along Hwy 50 was moved to a new monument location. The fort was located south of the original marker at the end of Kettle Way in Dodge City. 

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 commanding officer requisitioned cats from Fort Leavenworth! The fort only lasted four years, from 1850 to 1854. The original plaques also note 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. 50, then north on 107 for 150 feet, then west on Chayston Drive for 250 feet.

To see the monument on Kettle Way follow the same directions to the new Caches monument but turn south a mile sooner on 108 Rd. Travel less than 1/4 mile to Kettle Way and turn west for 3/4 mile. The monument and sign is at the end of the street. A home has now been built on the site of the original fort. Please do not enter drive.