Fort Larned National Historic Site

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Fort Larned National Historic Site Welcome to Fort Larned, a national park still guarding the Santa Fe Trail! Read more about the park! Established by the U.S. Today, it is a national park.

Fort Larned has been the Guardian of the Santa Fe Trail for over 150 years. Army in 1859 as the Camp on Pawnee Fork - the fort stood astride routes of the Santa Fe Trail. For nearly two decades, troops guarded the connection between the Midwest and the Southwest. Units of the Tenth Cavalry - Buffalo Soldiers - served their first assignment here. Wives and children of officers and enlisted men made their homes here - for a time. But the post was also part of the story of the dispossession of the Cheyenne, Kiowa, and other peoples from their homes. From here, General Hancock conducted his war on the Southern Plains. From here, Ned Wynkoop tried and failed to offer an equitable peace as Indian agent. After construction of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad through southwest Kansas, the fort became a livestock ranch and tourist destination on the old Santa Fe Trail. Discover the living past at one of your national parks in Kansas.

An often-overlooked civilian role at Fort Larned is that of a civilian contractor. “Civilian contractor” is a broad term...
10/20/2026

An often-overlooked civilian role at Fort Larned is that of a civilian contractor.

“Civilian contractor” is a broad term that includes everyone who is not in the military but works for the military. This can mean anyone from clerks, scouts, blacksmiths, carpenters, teamsters, and so many more.

In September 1867 amid the effort to construct the sandstone buildings, Fort Larned’s Quartermaster Department employed nearly 300 civilian contractors. Most of these contractors were educated and/or were tradesmen able to provide specialized services to the US Army. The practice of utilizing civilian contractors continues today with many US military functions being completed by civilians.


Photo by Joel F. Carberry

Does your work have a “how-to” book or manual?Believe it or not, the US Army in the 1860s had one called the “Revised US...
10/17/2026

Does your work have a “how-to” book or manual?

Believe it or not, the US Army in the 1860s had one called the “Revised US Army Regulations.” This 550+ page book had its 1861 edition revised in 1863 and was the latest and greatest book of regulations used at Fort Larned in 1868.

Everything from care of fortifications, how to set up camp, how to wear the uniform, the various insignia, forms and how to use them, and so much more is all covered in this book. This publication was an invaluable tool for everyone serving at Fort Larned, especially officers.

Today, it serves as an amazing guiding tool on how to properly represent the 1860s Army and it’s for this reason that reprints are on the desk of almost every Park Ranger at Fort Larned NHS.


Photo by Ben Long, NPS

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a dedicated team that helps bring history to life? One of the most recent special v...
10/15/2026

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a dedicated team that helps bring history to life?
One of the most recent special volunteer programs to form, the Fort Larned Regulars, seeks to do just that. This group specializes in drill, uniform, and military practice of the late 1860s as it represents the historic 3rd US Infantry.
The Fort Larned Regulars represent Fort Larned NHS at the Fort, local parades, and local events and is the closest thing we’ll get to see of how the 3rd US Infantry looked and drilled when they were at Fort Larned in 1868.
All uniforms and equipment are provided by Fort Larned NHS and practices are held every third Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm. If you’d like to join this dedicated team, email us ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) and ask about the Fort Larned Regulars.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

Women not being able to serve in the US Army in the 1860s meant they made up a vast minority of the population at Fort L...
10/13/2026

Women not being able to serve in the US Army in the 1860s meant they made up a vast minority of the population at Fort Larned, but their roles were essential for a well-functioning frontier post.
Laundresses were the only women officially recognized by the US Army because of their essential function within the companies. Even though officer’s wives were not officially recognized as essential to the military’s operation, they were often the ones organizing social functions for the officers and their families. Not only was this essential for the mental well-being of officers throughout the country, it was even more important to help break up the monotony of frontier service.
We celebrate these women who braved uncertainties and harsh environments to support their family and those around them.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

August 1868, Fort Larned made national news as a rabid wolf appeared on the post, wreaked havoc, and caused some serious...
10/10/2026

August 1868, Fort Larned made national news as a rabid wolf appeared on the post, wreaked havoc, and caused some serious damage.
Prairie wolves were a common sight at the time, but in this case, this insane canine bit Lt. Thompson, a laundress, Capt. Nolan’s dog, and Corporal McGillicudy.
Lt. Thompson and the laundress thankfully survived. However, Nolan’s dog lost the fight and Corporal McGillicuddy, already in the hospital, died a month later from rabies. The wolf was eventually shot by a sentry on Guard Duty.
To read more about this sensational event and to learn about the other recorded wolf attack, check out the article on our website: https://go.nps.gov/1bl6i4
Woodcut of the wolf attacking Lt Thompson and others, Public Domain

We couldn’t do everything we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers here at Fort Larned NHS. And one of the mos...
10/08/2026

We couldn’t do everything we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers here at Fort Larned NHS. And one of the most important volunteer positions are those who assist with running our Visitor Center. This is where our visitors come to see the film, check out our exhibits, and get their Fort Larned souvenirs in our Western National Parks Store. We are always looking for local folks to help on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and help us give top-notch customer service to our visitors.
Want to improve your resume, give back to your community, or just meet some great people from all over the world? Apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000OQ5SrYAL/visitor-center-volunteer
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Feel free to email ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) for more information.

Photo by Ben Long, NPS

Question: How long were units stationed here?Answer: Like many questions about Fort Larned, the answer varies on this on...
10/06/2026

Question: How long were units stationed here?
Answer: Like many questions about Fort Larned, the answer varies on this one quite a bit. A large determining factor is what period of Fort Larned is being examined. For example, during the Civil War era (1861-1865), Fort Larned was staffed largely by state volunteer units and was a revolving door of companies moving in and out in a matter of months. However, after the Civil War (1866-1878), Fort Larned was staffed by Regular Army units. In this period, it wasn’t uncommon for companies to stay here for a year or more. The longest serving unit at Fort Larned was Company C, 3rd US Infantry who were stationed here for about 5 years.

Photo by Joel F. Carberry

Fort Larned is often a peaceful place to be today. However, 160 years ago with sometimes 400 or more soldiers and civili...
10/03/2026

Fort Larned is often a peaceful place to be today. However, 160 years ago with sometimes 400 or more soldiers and civilians, some part of the post would always be stirring. Even on a peaceful morning pictured here, barracks would be stirring to life, fires would be getting started or stoked, and breakfast would be right around the corner.
Where’s your favorite place to spend a peaceful morning?

Photo by Ben Long, NPS

Ask any Fort Larned NHS volunteer what their favorite event is and most will say it’s our Candlelight Tour. This unique ...
10/01/2026

Ask any Fort Larned NHS volunteer what their favorite event is and most will say it’s our Candlelight Tour. This unique event can be seen more as a multi-scene play using Fort Larned as a giant stage than anything else.
If you’d like to find out why this event quickly becomes a favorite, there’s still time to join the fun! Give back to your community, help make this event possible, have fun with some great folks, and learn a thing or two by volunteering this Candlelight Tour on October 10.
If you’d like to join the fun, email ([email protected]) or call us (620-285-6911) and ask about volunteer opportunities.

Photo by Janet Fleske, NPS

Address

1767 KS Highway 156
Larned, KS
67550

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16202856911

Website

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