From potter’s field to preservation

Boot Hill Distillery stands on the very ground where, in the 1870s, Dodge City’s Boot Hill Cemetery held its interments. This potter’s field—later exhumed—was replaced in the 1880s by the city's first multi-room schoolhouse, serving until 1927. Soon after, in 1929, a striking municipal building was raised: a hub for city life housing the fire department, police, jail, courtroom, judge’s quarters, and clerk’s office.

A Restoration Rooted in Family and Community

By the early 2000s, the building stood vacant and was slated for demolition. In 2014, Hayes and Roger Kelman, alongside partner Chris Holovach—Kansas farmers looking to bring their grain "from soil to sip"—stepped in. They acquired the building for $10, repurposing demolition funds towards extensive renovation. Under the guidance of the Kansas Historical Society, the team spent two years revitalizing the structure to its historic glory.

Hidden History across every room

Barrel room in the old firehouse: The floor was lowered 18 inches in 1960 to fit taller fire trucks—just enough now to house the distillery’s stills.

Tasting room treasures: Featuring a historic Brunswick bar from "Bill’s Tavern" (circa 1902), salvaged during downtown renewal.

Converted jail cell: Now a charming event or conference space showcasing original inmate graffiti—a real snapshot of mid-century life.

Cowboy Statue and Western Legacy

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a life-sized cowboy statue modeled after lawman Joe Sughrue. Created in 1929 by dentist Oscar Simpson using dental molds—and carefully restored in 2015—the statue symbolizes Dodge City’s frontier spirit.

A Landmark Reborn

Boot Hill Distillery is more than a destination—it’s a restoration success story. Once near-ruin, the municipal building now thrives as a vibrant, living piece of Dodge City folklore. With roots in the soil, echoes of the Wild West, and the warmth of family tradition, it offers an authentic experience that bridges past and present.

Black and white historical photos of Boot Hill cemetery and museum, with signs and display areas related to the cemetery and old west exhibits.
Historical black and white photo of Boot Hill in Dodge City, Kansas, with a statue on the right, a fence around the site, and signs including one that reads 'Famous Boot Hill Known The World Over.'
Historical black and white photograph of a large, three-story brick building labeled 'First School Building on Boot Hill.' The building has arched windows, a small upper tower with a hipped roof, and a porch with a few people standing underneath. A group of children and adults are gathered in front of the building, with some sitting on the ground.
Black and white photos of Boot Hill cemetery and museum, with signs, fences, and a small wooden building in the first image, and a display of horse skulls, signs, and flags in the second image.
Two vintage fire trucks parked in front of a brick building labeled 'FIRE DEPARTMENT', with a firefighter seated on each truck.
Comparison of two urban buildings showing differences in building materials and surroundings. Top image has older brick buildings, a flagpole, and a garage with an air conditioning unit; bottom image features a modern brick building, a tree, and a pa
Black and white photograph of two vintage fire engines parked in front of a fire department building with the sign 'FIRE DEPT' visible on the right. The fire engines have firefighters in uniform on them.
Black and white photograph of police officers and two young boys standing in front of police vehicles and a police station.
A historical bird's eye view map of Dodge City, Kansas, from 1882, showing streets, buildings, a train, and a river.
Bronze statue of a longhorn steer in a town center, with-lined trees and brick buildings in the background.
Nine firefighters in uniform stand in front of the Dodge City Fire Department station.
Historical black and white photo of Boot Hill in Dodge City, Kansas, featuring a border fence, a sign reading 'Famous Boot Hill Known the World Over,' a statue, trees, and some buildings in the background.
Black and white aerial view of a small downtown area with a line of people waiting outside a building, parked cars, tents, and a cross monument in a fenced yard.
Two workers in a bucket lift repairing or inspecting a chimney on a brick building with string lights hanging in the foreground and a clear blue sky with clouds in the background.
A group of law enforcement officers standing in front of a building. They are dressed in leather jackets, pants, and cowboy hats, with one officer in the center wearing a tan suit.
Wooden bar or counter with a high back display shelf featuring decorative inlays and hanging lamps.
A man in a suit and hat standing next to a statue of a cowboy on a brick pedestal in a historical black-and-white photograph.
Black and white photo of a large, historic brick school building on Boot Hill with a crowd of children and adults gathered in front. Sign on ground reads "First School Building on Boot Hill."
Two vintage fire trucks parked outside a fire department building, with firefighters sitting on them.
Large industrial tanks on a flatbed trailer with an 'OVERSIZE LOAD' sign, parked outdoors during sunset.
An old black and white photo of a municipal building in Dodge City, Kansas, featuring a statue of a woman in front.
Black and white photo of an old-fashioned bar interior with three men behind the counter and one man leaning on a chair, all dressed in historical clothing.
Black and white photo of a street scene with a line of men standing outside various stores, including hardware, clothing, and billiards shops, in a small town.