Topics in Kansas History: Old West

Forts

Forts were among the first public buildings erected in the area that was to become Kansas. In the 18th century, the French had a small post on the Missouri River near the later site of Leavenworth. The U. S. Army established Fort Leavenworth in 1827. Other forts were built as the frontier moved westward. The buildings were constructed of native materials, usually stone or logs. Most were crude because they were intended only as temporary structures.

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