State of Kansas

The first time I stopped at Fort Larned dates back to a 2014 fishing trip with my dad. Rain impacted our ability to fish that day, and we drove to see the fort. However, the same weather conditions that impacted our ability to fish also prevented us from touring. A later trip to Colorado in 2021 included a stop at the fort, but the visitor center, exhibit, and store were closed to the public. In 2023, on my trip to Arizona, I was finally able to stop and get a stamp at the location.

My visit to the location in July took place when the temperatures were in the 90s and the heat index was over 100. There is a visitor center at this location. You will find drinking fountains, restrooms, and exhibits to tour. Most importantly, the visitor center has air conditioning during the summer months and heat during the winter months. During my visit to the location in March, the temperatures were rather frigid.

The location is an authentic representation of an 1860 army post located along the Santa Fe Trail. It is neat to walk into the buildings and see what their existence might have been like during that time. The buildings are still furnished with furniture representative of the time. The exterior of the structures includes names and other historical carvings in the rocks.

Brief History of the Location

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located in Kansas along the Santa Fe Trail.

In 1859, Fort Larned in the middle of the vast prairies in western Kansas. People traveling between Missouri and Santa Fe used this fort a lot because it was an important stop for trading. The fort also served as an Indian Agency site and was established to help build good relationships with the Plains Indians.

There were two big events involving Fort Larned and the people who were stationed there. Hancock’s War began when General Hancock and his soldiers went to a village of Cheyenne and Lakota people. Some of the occupants of the village were survivors of the Sand Creek Massacre. At the sight of soldiers coming toward the encampment, women and children fled. Having no knowledge of the survivors experiences, he thought their running away was a hostile act and that they were people who had something to hide. The next day, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his 7th Cavalry went there too, but the village was empty.

In the weeks and months to come, multiple conflicts took place. The most famous was Kidder’s Fight on July 2, 1867. Kidder and his ten men were all killed.

The second important event followed Hancock’s War and is known as the Medicine Lodge Treaty. They signed this treaty near Medicine Lodge Creek in October 1867.

If this article interests you, read about other state and national parks I have visited in Kansas. Or check out other articles related to the American Indian Wars or the Indigenous Peoples of North America.

For more information about Fort Larned National Historic Site, its days and hours of operation, as well as fees, visit nps.gov. Also visit travelks.com for other information that might improve your visit.

Location

Fort Larned National Historic Site
1767 KS Hwy 156
Larned 67550