Over 150 years ago, if a person had family, friends or money, they were buried at the Fort Dodge Cemetery.
Travelers, criminals, paupers or unknowns were buried on the hill, on the outskirts of town. This became known as the paupers cemetery and is in the area where the Boothill Distillery now stands.
Eventually, it was determined that the hill area could be developed and provide income. The bodies {at least those found} were moved to Prairie Grove Cemetery approx. 1878-1879.
The Prairie Grove Cemetery was a 5 acre tract owned by a group of local businessmen, in the area currently south of Comanche, between Avenues A and C.
The cemetery closed in 1887 to be developed as a residential area. There are also reports of a fire destroying records, monuments, etc.
Approx. 1887-1888, the bodies that could be found were moved to the newly established Maple Grove Cemetery.
If no family or friends knew the location of the grave at Prairie Grove or had relocated elsewhere, those bodies were placed in separate plots in an area at Maple Grove.
There are approx. 30 unidentified bodies in this area.
ALL of the unidentified/unknown bodies have been interred at least twice and some three times!
The area more than likely contains bodies of women facing hardships, children passing from accident or disease, lawmen, criminals and travelers.This diverse group of unidentified souls helped form the community of Dodge City in the 1800's and made it what it has become known for in history.
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