The Santa Fe Railroad reached Dodge City in 1872 and made the city a major shipping point for cattle from the southwestern part of the United States. It remains a leading center for feeder cattle and packing plants. The Proclamation of Governor Thomas A. Osborn, declaring that Ford County was organized, was received in April of 1873. Ford County was named in honor of Col. James H. Ford, of the Second Colorado Cavalry, Commander at Fort Dodge, the most important military outpost on the Santa Fe Trail.
Cattle industry is a major part of Ford County's economic structure.
In August of 1993, the Ford County Courthouse renovation was completed for the Kansas 16th District Court Judicial Center. In May of 1991, the County Offices moved in the renovated Historical Lora Locke Hotel. All floors were converted to office space, with the Lobby and Mezzanine staying in its original design.