Leavenworth Kansas - First City in Kansas

Leavenworth, Kansas - Page 4

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By 1870, the fostering effects of the Civil War had waned and the population had dropped by several thousand. This, however, didn't effect the busy Sisters of Charity who began work on the the St. Mary's Academy in April, 1870. The following month, the school was granted a charter by the Kansas State Legislature to confer degrees and academic honors.

Today, the school still stands in Leavenworth and many of its original buildings are still utilized. Today, called the University of St. Mary, the private liberal arts university is coeducational and continues to be sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. St. Mary's Academy for high school students is located on the same campus. The mother house of the order is also located on the premises.

St. Mary's Academy has since become the University of St. Mary, and continues to operate today.

In 1871, the name of the town was officially changed from Leavenworth City to simply Leavenworth. The following year, a Leavenworth County Jail was finally built and following years of delay, the Leavenworth County Courthouse was completed in February, 1873. Built of red brick, with stone trimmings, the two story building was topped with an elegant mansard roof with a lofty tower and fine clock. Unfortunately, the first courthouse building was destroyed by a fire in the Spring of 1911. A new courthouse was built at the same location the following year. It continues to be used today.

Though its population had dropped from a high of 20,000 following the end of the Civil War, to just about 16,500 in 1880, Leavenworth was still a bustling city and would become even more so, as the city turned her attention to manufacturing. With its ideal location on the Missouri River, several railroads running through the city, and several coal mines which opened in the area, Leavenworth became a hub of factories producing mine and mill machinery, steam engines, stoves, wagons, shoes, bakers' ovens, pumps and implements, furniture and more. By the turn of the century, her population had grown again to almost 21,000 people. The city also boasted packing houses, flour mills, and creameries, and Leavenworth was a jobbing point for a large territory. During these flourishing times, numerous stately homes were built to house the families whose wealth grew as the city grew. Many of these beautiful homes continue to stand today.

In 1897, the reservation for the U.S. Penitentiary was deeded by the War Department to the Justice Department to build a new Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth County. The decision was made, in part, based on the labor available from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. Prisoners were used in the first phase of construction and were also the first to be incarcerated in the new prison in 1903. In 1906, the first cell house in the United States Federal Penitentiary was opened, but it would not be entirely completed until the mid-1920's.The walls are 40 feet high and 40 feet below ground. It was the largest maximum security prison in the United States until 2005, when it was downgraded to medium security facility. Housing more than 2,000 male inmates, the prison serves to carry out the judgments of the Federal Courts. Famous inmates over the years included Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert Stroud – the famous "Birdman of Alcatraz.” Actually, Stroud’s bird work began at Leavenworth, where he served 28 years before being transferred to Alcatraz.

Over the years, the population of the Leavenworth fluctuated, dropping like many other U.S. cities during the Depression years. However, it revived again and grew steadily to its peak of about 38,500 in 1990. Today, Leavenworth is a community of about 35,000 people. Situated just on the outskirts of the Kansas City metropolitan area, it continues to provide a small town flavor with quick access to the amenities of a larger city. The city continues to thrive with several large employers including Hallmark Cards, as well as Federal institutions including Fort Leavenworth, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Saint Mary College continues operation after more than 140 years, and numerous small businesses and family-owned venues welcome visitors to Leavenworth.

Surrounded by historic buildings, Leavenworth remains a bustling

community today. Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

Leavenworth offers many historical attractions including the Parker Carousel Museum, the Carroll Mansion, the Fred Harvey Museum, a Black History Museum, Frontier Army Museum, and much more. The city is home to eight National Register Historic Districts and twelve National Register properties associated with the early development of the city. These historic districts reflect the eclectic nature of commercial development throughout the years and beautiful old homes are scattered throughout the community.

A historic wayside walking and driving tour commemorates many of the notable events, people, and locations in the community. The interactive displays feature local artwork depicting images of significant historical people, structures or events associated with each site and includes recorded narratives.

There are 13 Waysides located in the riverfront downtown area that can be experienced as a walking tour as well as eight Waysides as a driving tour. Another Wayside tour is also available at Fort Leavenworth. In Leavenworth, Wayside brochures and maps can be obtained from the Leavenworth Convention & Visitors Bureau, at 518 Shawnee Street or at the Welcome Center located at the north entrance to town on North Highway 7/73.

These interactive panels tell visitors of Leavenworth's rich Native American history, its Bleeding Kansas days, the Wild West, Prohibition, and more. They also provide information on some of the city's historic buildings, and interesting residents and people who spent time in the community. In its early years, the city was marked by such visitors and residents as Lewis and Clark, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, George and Tom Custer, General William T. Sherman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony , and dozens of others.

Many who visit Leavenworth are interested in the prisons of the area, which have been widely publicized throughout the years. Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth have four prisons located in the area, none of which allow public tours. In fact, the U.S. Penitentiary can only be photographed from across the street. The First City Museum at 742 Delaware Street has a number of jail and prison displays for those who want to learn more.

More Information:

Leavenworth Convention and Visitor's Bureau

518 Shawnee

P.O. Box 44

Leavenworth, Kansas 66048

913-682-4113

The U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

Book your lodging right HERE online

Numerous buildings remain in Leavenworth testifying to its profitable manufacturing days. Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

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