On February 1, 1860, the camp was renamed "Camp Alert" and just a few months later, it moved 2 ½ miles west on May 29, 1860, and was renamed again to Fort Larned, in honor of Colonel B. F. Larned, the current paymaster-general of the United States Army. The reservation initially included a four mile square tract of land, but it would be years before it was developed extensively. Its objectives grew as it not only protected traffic along the Santa Fe Trail, but also served as a base of military operations against hostile Indians.

In 1861, it also became the Indian Agency for the administration of the Southern Plains Indians by the Bureau of Indian Affairs under the terms of the Fort Wise Treaty of 1861. In addition to attempting peace with the Indians, it also provided a more centralized point for the distribution of annuities to the Indians.

Until 1862, the post was garrisoned only by a small number of troops and was unable to prevent many attacks on wagon trains by the Kiowa, Apache, and Arapaho tribes. However, that year, they were reinforced by Colorado and Kansas Volunteers and were better able to provide defense along the Santa Fe Trail.

In 1865, Fort Larned began to rebuild its structures with adobe and just two years later, in November, 1867, the Department of Missouri ordered that more permanent buildings of sandstone blocks be erected. Completed in 1868, the post included officers quarters, barracks, a hospital, a blockhouse, and stables.

In the late 1860s, Fort Larned became a key post during the Indian Wars, provided military protection for federal land surveys, and emerged as a major federal commissary for supplying the increasing number of Indian agencies in Indian Territory south of Kansas. It also played a party in a number of treaties including the Medicine Lodge treaties of 1867. At the time, the fort was exceeded in importance only by Forts Leavenworth and Riley. During these critical times, the fort hosted a number of famous men including Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill Cody, General George Armstrong Custer, and other famous Indian fighters. From 1867 to 1869, the 10th U.S. Cavalry, an African-American regiment, more familiarly known as Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at the post.

Today, the National Historic Site displays nine restored buildings, including officers’ quarters, barracks, a blacksmith shop, commisary and more and is one of the best examples of Indian Wars period forts. Many of the buildings include include period furnishings and the Visitor Center includes a museum, introductory slide show, library, rest rooms and a gift shop. A nature trail still provides views of wagon ruts left in the ground from the many pioneers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. Throughout the summer months, variious programs are available where historians in period clothing staff the buildings and provide demonstrations.

Fort Larned is located six miles west of Larned, Kansas on Highway 156.  

Contact Information:

Fort Larned National Historic Site
1767 Kansas Highway 156
Larned, Kansas 67550-9321
620-285-6911

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, April, 2009