STATUE PROJECT

Dodge City Area Women’s Chamber

Miss Kitty Statue Project 

   Since 1980, the history of Dodge City has been captured in bronze.

As you walk through our downtown, you see the legends of the Old West standing tall — our beloved Longhorn - El Capitan, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, James Arness, and Bat Masterson. These sculptures tell the story of courage, grit, and the spirit that built our town.

But today, I want to talk about a story that has not yet been cast in bronze.

The story of a woman.

The Dodge City Area Women’s Chamber of Commerce has envisioned an iconic statue honoring the women who have carried our history forward for generations. This project is intended to celebrate the many women who have kept Dodge City’s story alive through the famous Long Branch Variety Show starring “Miss Kitty” — a tradition that has been performed at the Boot Hill Museum for more than 67 years, starting with creator Rosmary Mock.

For decades, women such as Nellis Reinert, Connie Penick, Haley Ross-Ashscroft, Dee Dee Royal and Christina Haselhorst, have stepped onto that stage. They have carried on a legacy of performance, hospitality, storytelling, and community pride. They have represented Dodge City with grace, talent, and dedication.

And now, we believe it is time to honor them in a lasting way.

With the support of the City of Dodge and the Ford County Historical Society, this bronze statue would become the first woman honored on Dodge City’s Trail of Fame — recognizing not just a character, but every woman who has shaped our cultural history.

Our vision extends beyond the statue. It will also permanently honor every woman who has taken the stage as Miss Kitty in the Long Branch Variety Show since 1958.

This will truly be a community effort.

Funds will be raised through various fundraising events, grants, and generous donations. Our kickoff fundraiser will be the Annual May Day Breakfast.

Donations will also be accepted through our great partner, the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas by making checks to the Community Foundation and adding Miss Kitty to the memo.

Follow our Facebook page for updates, future fundraising events, and project developments as this vision continues to grow.

We are deeply grateful to our community partners and especially the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. Your support fuels the work we do and helps bring visions like this statue to life.

This statue is more than bronze.

It is recognition.
It is gratitude.
It is history.
It is a statement that the women of Dodge City — past, present, and future.

And with support from our community, this vision will become a reality!