Kansas Forts & Posts

The story of Kansas is inextricably linked to the military forts and posts that once dotted its landscape. These installations, born out of necessity, served diverse purposes, from protecting westward-bound travelers to maintaining order during the tumultuous "Bleeding Kansas" era and the Civil War. Before Kansas officially became a territory in 1854, the region already had a nascent military presence, with the French establishing Fort Cavagnial near present-day Fort Leavenworth in 1744, marking the first military post in what is now Kansas. This post operated for two decades, ceasing operations in 1764. The subsequent years saw the establishment of a handful of U.S. Army posts, primarily focused on safeguarding those traversing the trails that crisscrossed the region from potential Indian attacks.

As the nation edged closer to the Civil War, and the question of whether Kansas would be a free or slave state ignited fierce conflict, these Kansas forts took on new significance. This article explores the history and legacy of these forts and posts, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era in the Sunflower State’s past.

Before the rush to settle the Kansas Territory, the U.S. Army maintained a relatively small presence. By June 1854, only Fort Atkinson, Fort Riley, and Fort Leavenworth were actively garrisoned. Fort Scott had already been closed by this point. The western three-quarters of the territory, characterized by open plains and sparse settlements, saw frequent interactions, often hostile, between settlers and Native American tribes.

The period known as "Bleeding Kansas" was a time of intense political and social upheaval. As pro-slavery and abolitionist factions clashed violently to determine the state’s future, several semi-permanent Army camps were established. These camps aimed to maintain a fragile peace and protect settlers from the escalating violence between opposing political factions. The presence of these Kansas forts and posts underscored the federal government’s attempt to control the volatile situation in the territory.

The Civil War further transformed the role and landscape of military installations in Kansas. During this tumultuous period, the state hosted a network of permanent military camps, forts, and blockhouses. At least 27 of these installations were strategically positioned throughout the state, each playing a crucial part in the Union’s efforts to secure the region and suppress Confederate activity. While sharing some fundamental similarities, these Kansas forts and posts also exhibited distinct characteristics, reflecting the diverse needs and challenges of the time.

One unifying characteristic among these forts was their allegiance to the Union cause. No Confederate forts existed within the borders of Kansas. However, the differences among the forts were significant. The regular Army established some to protect travelers and settlers against Indian attacks. Fort Aubrey, Fort Harker, Fort Larned, Fort Riley, and Fort Dodge were among these. These forts provided a sense of security for those venturing westward and helped to maintain a semblance of order in a region often marked by conflict and uncertainty.

Other Army-established forts served as administrative headquarters within the chain of forts stretching across the West. The Camp Ewing complex outside Lawrence and Forts Leavenworth, Riley, and Scott fell into this category. These headquarters facilitated communication, coordinated troop movements, and provided logistical support to the various outposts scattered throughout the region.

A few forts established by the Army, including the relocated Fort Lincoln and Fort Blair, were partly established to protect Kansas residents against attacks from Confederate regular and guerrilla forces. These forts were strategically positioned to defend against incursions from the South and to safeguard vital transportation routes and settlements.

Many Army-operated forts were, at times, manned entirely by volunteer or militia forces raised to fight the Confederates. These citizen-soldiers played a crucial role in defending their homes and communities and bolstering the Union war effort.

The functions of some Army forts extended beyond purely military operations. The original Fort Lincoln, established by Kansas Senator/militia General James H. Lane, was primarily used to house Confederate prisoners. Fort Zarah stood out among the Army forts because a large portion of its garrison consisted of former Confederates. These men were freed from prison camps on the condition that they joined the Union forces and were sent west to fight Indians. Many forts also served as post offices and Indian agencies, further highlighting their multifaceted role in the development of the Kansas Territory.

The historical significance of these sites is undeniable. Several of these old posts, including Forts Blair, Dodge, Hays, Leavenworth, Riley, and Scott, are rumored to be haunted, adding an intriguing layer of mystique to their already rich history. These ghostly tales serve as a reminder of the human experiences – the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday lives – that unfolded within these forts’ walls.

Below is a list of some of the significant Kansas forts and posts, each with its own unique story:

• Camp Ewing: Located near Lawrence, this camp served as an administrative center during the Civil War.
• Camp Pliley: This camp played a role in maintaining order during the turbulent "Bleeding Kansas" era.
• Cantonment Martin: This temporary military encampment contributed to the overall security of the region.
• Fort Atkinson (Ford County): This fort was strategically located to protect travelers along the Santa Fe Trail.
• Fort Atkinson (Barton County): Another installation bearing the same name, this fort served a similar purpose in a different location.
• Fort Aubrey: Located in the western part of the state, this fort helped to safeguard settlers and travelers from Indian attacks.
• Fort Bain: Details about this fort are scarce, but it likely played a role in the overall military presence in Kansas.
• Fort Belmont: This fort contributed to the defense of the Kansas frontier during a period of heightened tensions.
• Fort Blair (Cherokee County): This fort provided protection to residents in southeastern Kansas during the Civil War.
• Fort Blair (Bourbon County): Another fort bearing the same name, this installation also played a role in the defense of the region.
• Fort Brooks: Information about this fort is limited, but it likely served a support role in the military network.
• Fort Cavagnial: Established by the French in the 18th century, this fort represents the earliest European military presence in Kansas.
• Fort Clifton: This fort contributed to the overall security of the Kansas Territory during a period of expansion and conflict.
• Fort Dodge: This iconic fort played a vital role in protecting the Santa Fe Trail and maintaining order on the frontier.
• Fort Downer: This fort served as an important outpost in western Kansas, providing security and support to settlers and travelers.
• Fort Hamilton: This fort contributed to the defense of the Kansas border during a period of heightened tensions.
• Fort Harker: This well-preserved fort played a crucial role in supplying and supporting military operations in the region.
• Fort Hays: This historic fort served as a vital military post during the Indian Wars and the westward expansion.
• Fort Henning: Details about this fort are limited, but it likely played a role in the overall military presence in Kansas.
• Fort Insley: Information about this fort is scarce, but it likely served a support role in the military network.
• Fort Jewell: This fort contributed to the defense of the Kansas frontier during a period of heightened tensions.
• Fort Kanses: Details about this fort are limited, but it likely played a role in the overall military presence in Kansas.
• Fort Lane: This fort contributed to the overall security of the Kansas Territory during a period of expansion and conflict.
• Fort Larned: This well-preserved fort played a crucial role in protecting the Santa Fe Trail and mediating relations with Native American tribes.
• Fort Leavenworth: This historic fort, still active today, has served as a major military installation since its establishment in 1827.
• Fort Lincoln: This fort was established to protect Kansas residents against attacks from Confederate forces.
• Fort Mann: This fort served as a trading post and a military outpost on the Santa Fe Trail.
• Fort Montgomery (Greenwood County): This fort contributed to the defense of southeastern Kansas during the Civil War.
• Fort Montgomery (Linn County): Another fort bearing the same name, this installation also played a role in the defense of the region.
• Fort Monument: This fort contributed to the defense of the Kansas frontier during a period of heightened tensions.
• Fort Riley: This major military installation played a vital role in the Indian Wars and the westward expansion.
• Fort Row: Information about this fort is scarce, but it likely served a support role in the military network.
• Fort Saunders: This fort contributed to the defense of the Kansas border during a period of heightened tensions.
• Fort Scott: This well-preserved fort offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians on the Kansas frontier.
• Fort Titus: This fort played a role in the "Bleeding Kansas" conflict, serving as a pro-slavery stronghold.
• Fort Wakarusa: This fort also played a role in the "Bleeding Kansas" conflict, serving as a free-state stronghold.
• Fort Wallace: This fort played a vital role in protecting the Butterfield Overland Dispatch route and the Kansas Pacific Railroad.
• Fort Zarah: This fort was unique for its garrison, which included former Confederate soldiers.
• Walker Army Airfield: While primarily an airfield, this installation also played a role in the overall military presence in Kansas.

These Kansas forts and posts represent a fascinating chapter in the state’s history. They served as symbols of both conflict and cooperation, reflecting the complex interactions between settlers, soldiers, and Native American tribes. Today, many of these sites stand as historical landmarks, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the people and events that shaped the American West.

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated December 2024.

Also See:

• Forts of the American West
• Haunted Forts & Battle Grounds
• Kansas Forts
• List of Old West Forts

Sources:

• American Forts
• Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, Volume 2, by Francis B. Heitman, Government Printing Office, 1903.
• Kansas Historical Society
• Wikipedia