Perched on a quiet hill in Dodge City, Kansas, stands a remarkable testament to frontier dreams and enduring craftsmanship. The Home of Stone, also known as the Mueller-Schmidt House Museum, beckons visitors with its impressive limestone walls and captivating stories that span over a century. This extraordinary structure isn't just another historic house; it's the only limestone building in Dodge City and the oldest structure still standing on its original foundation.
My husband and I visited the Home of Stone last month as we followed the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail from Abilene to Dodge City. It is a fascinating museum that has stood the test of time.
Constructed between 1879 and 1881 by German immigrant John Mueller, this architectural marvel has witnessed the rise and fall of the Wild West era. What makes this destination truly special is its intimate connection to just two families who called it home, preserving an authentic glimpse into frontier life that feels almost untouched by time. For travelers exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, the Home of Stone offers an unforgettable journey through American history, complete with original furnishings and artifacts that bear the personal touch of the Mueller and Schmidt families.
John Mueller's story begins in 1855, when he left his homeland of Bavaria, Germany, in search of opportunity in America. Settling first in Saint Louis, he learned the trade of bootmaking—a skill that would eventually lead him to prosperity on the frontier.
Following the Civil War, John recognized the golden opportunities awaiting skilled craftsmen in the growing cowtowns of the West. The family followed the cattle trail, establishing boot shops in thriving frontier communities. When a town's fortunes faded, they would pack up and move to the next promising location.
In Dodge City, John's boot shop on Front Street flourished beyond his wildest expectations. Cowboys needed quality boots, and Mueller delivered. His success allowed him to expand into saloon ownership and eventually cattle ranching, accumulating three ranches across western Kansas. By the late 1870s, John Mueller had achieved the American dream and was ready to build a home that reflected his prosperity.
John Mueller's vision for his dream home was ambitious. He selected a prominent hilltop location and sourced local limestone. The choice of limestone was both practical and symbolic; a durable material would create walls 24 inches thick, ensuring the house would withstand the harsh Kansas weather.
No expense was spared in the construction of the home. Mueller hired a craftsman from Saint Louis to create the stunning black walnut staircase, banister, baseboards, and trim that still grace the interior today. In an era when most frontier homes were simple wooden structures, Mueller included luxuries such as bedroom closets, a remarkable feature, considering that closets were taxed as separate rooms at the time.
After eighteen months of construction, the Home of Stone was complete. The Muellers celebrated with a grand housewarming party that drew the elite of Dodge City.
The 1880s brought devastating challenges that would forever change the Mueller family's fortunes. A series of fires swept through Dodge City's wooden Front Street buildings, destroying John's boot shop twice. Though he rebuilt each time, worse disasters lay ahead.
The blizzard of 1886 remains one of Kansas's most catastrophic weather events. While most ranchers lost about 25% of their cattle, John Mueller suffered devastating losses of 75,000 head, which was virtually his entire herd. This single storm wiped out years of accumulated wealth and forced him out of the cattle business entirely.
Mueller attempted to return to bootmaking, but changing times worked against him. New quarantine laws prevented Texas longhorn cattle from passing through Dodge City, which meant his primary customers—Texas cowboys—no longer came to town. Faced with mounting financial pressures, the once-prosperous family could no longer afford their dream home.
In 1890, the Mueller family held one final celebration in their beloved home—daughter Emelia's wedding in the parlor, attended by fifty guests. Shortly after, they made the difficult decision to return to Missouri, selling the Home of Stone fully furnished to the Schmidt family for $5,000.
Interestingly, the property deed listed the women's names: Karoline Mueller sold to Elizabeth Schmidt. This arrangement was highly unusual for the 1890s and speaks to both families' progressive attitudes toward women's property rights.
Adam Schmidt, like John Mueller, had immigrated to the United States from Bavaria as a child. After losing his parents and several siblings to plague in Saint Louis, he learned blacksmithing from an uncle. He established his shop in Dodge City in 1874, serving travelers along the Santa Fe Trail.
Adam married Elizabeth, whose family operated a bakery and restaurant near his blacksmith shop. The couple raised three children in the limestone house: Heinrich (known as Heinie), Elma, and Louis (nicknamed Lew). Only Lew married and built a home next door, while Heinie and Elma remained in the family home for seventy years.
By the 1960s, the advancing age of the elderly Schmidt siblings made the multi-story home challenging. In 1965, Elma Schmidt sold the Home of Stone to Ford County, with the understanding it would become a museum. The museum opened to the public in 1968 marking a significant milestone in the preservation of this remarkable piece of American frontier history.
Because the Muellers had sold the house fully furnished, many original pieces remained with the Schmidt family and are now part of the museum's collection. Visitors can see authentic furnishings that have witnessed over a century of family life, lending an intimate atmosphere that few historic homes can match.
Entryway
Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is the walnut doors with red glass and the sweeping walnut staircase in the entryway.. The doors are reproductions of the original, showcasing the hand-blown ruby gold glass panes. An original pane is on display in the home. The staircase is handcrafted and original to the house.
Before electricity, the lighting fixtures in the entry were previously lowered to add oil and then raised again.
Parlor
You can view the original furnishings, including walnut chairs, a walnut loveseat, a horsehair tapestry chair, a variety of momentos, and photos.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms are upstairs. One of the things I found interesting was a patriotic "Uncle Sam" costume Heinie wore in a parade. Elma's bedroom showcased many of her childhood toys and dolls.
Dining Room
The dining room was originally a second parlor for entertaining. The Schmidts turned it into a bedroom. When their parents passed, Elma turned it back into a dining room. The room showcases items from both the Muellers and Schmidt families.
Basement Kitchen
This was the original kitchen. When the Schmidt family lived in the home, the kitchen also served as the dining area. Most of the items in the kitchen are examples from the period but not original to the house. The china cupboard is the only original piece.
The Home of Stone stands as more than just a historic house, it's a tangible connection to the dreams, struggles, and resilience of American pioneers. The remarkable stories of the Mueller and Schmidt families reflect the broader narrative of westward expansion, immigration, and the pursuit of prosperity on the frontier.
What makes this destination truly special is its authenticity. Unlike many historic homes that rely on period replicas, the Home of Stone showcases actual furnishings used by both the families who lived there. The limestone walls that John Mueller built to last have indeed endured.
For those exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, the Home of Stone provides a perfect complement to Dodge City's other attractions. While Boot Hill and the town's Wild West shows capture the excitement and danger of frontier life, the Home of Stone reveals the domestic side of the story—how families lived, worked, and built communities in this legendary corner of Kansas.
Location
The museum is located at 112 E Vine Street in Dodge City
Phone
620-227-6791
Hours
The Mueller-Schmidt House Museum operates seasonally, with hours varying throughout the year. Please visit their website to find the days and times they will be open during your stay in Dodge City.
Cost of Admission
Free - Donations accepted.
Whether you're drawn by history or architecture, the Home of Stone promises an experience that will deepen your appreciation for the courage and determination of America's frontier families.
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Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance travel writer. She resides in Pennsylvania and travels all over the country searching for some adventure and a touch of luxury to inspire others to travel, visit that museum, enjoy a new experience, and eat delicious food.