Last updated: May 8, 2026
Place
Fort Atkinson, the Santa Fe Trail
NPS Image
Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Atkinson was located about two miles west of the present Dodge City, Kansas.
Significance:
Fort Atkinson was the first regular army post on the Santa Fe Trail.
Designation:
Historic site on the Santa Fe NHT.
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Fort Atkinson (1850-54) was the first fully garrisoned fort on the Santa Fe Trail. It was originally established as Camp Mackay on August 8, 1850. The fort’s main purpose was to protect Santa Fe Trail travelers from Native American tribes, whose historic lands the travelers were crossing.
On June 25, 1851, a newly built fort was officially named Fort Atkinson. The fort was built of sod and was soon dubbed by the soldiers quartered there “Fort Sod,” and later “Fort Sodom.” Field mice were reportedly quite a problem for the troops. Lieutenant Henry Heth, commanding officer, requisitioned a dozen cats from Fort Leavenworth to cope with the problem. Fort Atkinson was abandoned permanently on October 2, 1854, due to its inadequate buildings and supply difficulties.
Site Information
Location (Fort Atkinson was located about two miles west of the present Dodge City, Kansas.)