Fort Larned National Historic Site

National Historic Site · KS · nps.gov page

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms fire a reproduction period cannon.
Volunteers demonstrating the use of a mountain howitzer during one of Fort Larned's living history weekends.Photo: NPS Photo

Discover a complete and authentic army post from the 1860s -1870s! This well-preserved fort on the Santa Fe Trail shares a tumultuous history of the Indian Wars era. The sandstone constructed buildings sheltered troops who were known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.

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Sandstone army buildings arranged in a square around parade ground.
The historic sandstone buildings at Fort Larned date to 1868Photo: NPS Photo
Man in leather apron hammering hot steel in blacksmith shop.
The blacksmith demonstration is one of the most popular living history demonstrations.Photo: NPS Photo
Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms lower an American flag.
Volunteers help recreate the U.S. Army flag lowering ceremony known as Retreat.Photo: NPS Photo
Man in 19th century U.S. Army uniform interacts with visitors in period barracks.
A volunteer shows visitors how soldiers lived during the 1860s at Fort Larned.Photo: NPS Photo
African American men in 19th century cavalry uniforms on horseback.
Buffalo Soldier re-enactors help bring Fort Larned's history to life.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.