Gunsmoke Timeline ( Real )

show_debut
April 26, 1952

Gunsmoke Radio Debut

Gunsmoke first premiered as a radio drama on CBS, introducing audiences to the character Marshal Matt Dillon.

show_debut
September 10, 1955

Gunsmoke Television Debut

Gunsmoke made its television debut on CBS, marking the transition of the popular radio series to TV.

show_change
October 1, 1961

Gunsmoke Becomes First One-Hour TV Western

Gunsmoke changed its format from a half-hour show to a one-hour show, setting a new standard for television Westerns.

show_end
June 19, 1961

Gunsmoke Ends Radio Broadcasts

The radio version of Gunsmoke aired its final episode, ending its decade-long presence on radio.

show_end
March 31, 1975

Gunsmoke TV Series Ends

The final episode of Gunsmoke aired on CBS after 20 seasons, concluding one of the longest-running Western TV series.

movie_release
November 12, 1987

First Gunsmoke TV Reunion Movie

The first Gunsmoke reunion movie, 'Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge,' was released, reviving characters and stories from the original series.

Gunsmoke Timeline ( Fictional )

career_start
1870-03-12

Matt Dillon Becomes U.S. Marshal

Matt Dillon is appointed as U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, Kansas, beginning his long career enforcing the law in the Old West town.

character_introduction
1872-07-05

First Encounter with Festus Haggen

Matt Dillon meets Festus Haggen, who becomes his loyal deputy and close friend throughout many adventures.

character_introduction
1872-11-20

Marshal Dillon Meets Miss Kitty Russell

Matt Dillon first meets Miss Kitty Russell, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon and a central figure in Dodge City life.

character_introduction
1873-02-14

Doc Adams Joins Dodge City

Dr. Galen 'Doc' Adams arrives in Dodge City and starts working as the town's physician, becoming a close confidant of Marshal Dillon.

conflict
1874

Chronic Law Conflict in Dodge City

Marshal Dillon faces an escalating crime wave in Dodge City, including range wars, cattle rustlers, and outlaws attempting to take over the town.

law_enforcement
1875-09-10

Bart Maverick Outlaw Pursuit

Matt Dillon leads a successful campaign to capture the notorious outlaw Bart Maverick, restoring order temporarily to Dodge City.

character_introduction
1876-06-01

Helen Sherwood's Arrival in Dodge

New schoolteacher Helen Sherwood arrives, bringing education and new challenges to the frontier town.

natural_disaster
1877-05-03

Dodge City Flood Crisis

A devastating flood threatens the town and its citizens, leading to a community-wide effort led by Marshal Dillon to protect the town.

career_milestone
1878-01-15

Festus Becomes Permanent Deputy

Festus Haggen officially takes on the role of permanent deputy under Marshal Dillon's command.

relationship_development
1879-03-22

Miss Kitty and Matt Dillon's Relationship Established

The complex and enduring relationship between Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon is firmly established, shaping much of Dodge City's social dynamics.