FORT LEAVENWORTH: First U.S. Fort in Kansas

Squatters soon settled on the surrounding land, raising crops and cattle. Some bred mules and horses to sell to the army. At about the same time, Colonel Hiram Rich took over as sutler at Fort Leavenworth, providing supplies to soldiers and travelers.

During the 1850s and 1860s, Fort Leavenworth served as the general depot that supplied all the military posts south through Indian Territory to Texas, and west to New Mexico and California.

Goods were brought up the Missouri River, then hauled by wagon up the steep incline to the fort. The fort grew by leaps and bounds.

Huge warehouses and stables were erected. The increase in soldiers and military personnel required new barracks and officers' quarters, as well as a hospital and schools.

The first territorial governor, Andrew H. Reeder, lived in The Rookery on the post in October of 1854. He governed the territory for 45 days in an office north of there.

Fort Leavenworth steadily grew in size and importance. The Quartermaster Depot was converted to a military prison in 1874.

In the 1870s, the fort served as the base for westward expeditions to bring an end to the Indian uprisings.

General William T. Sherman can be credited for giving the general order that ensured Fort Leavenworth would remain a vital asset to the U.S. Government for years to come. He envisioned a practical military school to train all military personal.

The School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry began in January of 1882. The curriculum was expanded and practical exercises were added. That first professional troop school for the U.S. Government evolved into the Command and General Staff College.

General Sherman's vision came true. Of all the posts the U.S. Government established west of the Mississippi River, Fort Leavenworth has the distinction of being the oldest fort that is still in full operation.

Sugggested reading:

FORTS OF THE WEST by Robert W. Frazier

THE GREAT WEST by David Lavender

EARLY HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH, CITY & COUNTY by H. Miles Moore

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