Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned National Historic Site, located in central Kansas, preserves one of the best examples of a frontier military post from the Indian Wars era. Established in 1859 along the Santa Fe Trail, Fort Larned served as a vital outpost for the U.S. Army, tasked with protecting trail travelers and overseeing relations with Plains tribes. Unlike many frontier forts that fell to ruin, Fort Larned remains remarkably intact, with original sandstone buildings still standing—including the barracks, officer quarters, hospital, and blacksmith shop.

As a national historic site, Fort Larned holds immense value in preserving the complex and often difficult history of westward expansion. It offers a rare, tangible look into 19th-century military life, trade, and the shifting dynamics between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Visitors can walk the parade grounds, tour restored buildings, and engage with interpretive programs that bring history to life. By maintaining this authentic setting, Fort Larned allows us to better understand the challenges, conflicts, and cultures that shaped the American frontier, making it a crucial educational and commemorative site in our national heritage.