Presentation Examines Impact of the Arkansas River
Ford County Historical Society in Dodge City will host “Rediscovering the Arkansas River,” a presentation and discussion by Hannes Zacharias on January 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Dodge City Public Library – Lois Flanagan Room located at 1001 N 2nd Ave. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Ford County Historical Society at 620-789-3247 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Appetizers and beverages will be served. Business meeting begins at 4:00 PM and the program begins at 4:30 PM.
The Arkansas River pierces the heart of America, stretching 1,469 miles from the Tennessee Pass in Colorado to the Mississippi River at the eastern edge of Arkansas. As the nation’s sixth-longest river (45th longest in the world), it is both the economic engine and burden to millions of people and scores of cities bordering its banks. From raging rapids to diversion dams for irrigation ditches, to dry streambeds, and finally barge traffic, this presentation will examine the impact this wild, elusive, and embattled river has had on cities, towns, and adjacent farmland, starting with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 through to the present day.
Hannes Zacharias is the Robert A. Kipp, professor of practice in public administration at the University of Kansas.
“Rediscovering the Arkansas River” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “Rediscovering the Arkansas River” in Dodge City, contact the Ford County Historical Society at 620-789-3247 or visit fordcountyhistory.org.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.