Leavenworth, First City of Kansas

Leavenworth, the "First City in Kansas," established in 1854, is located on the west banks of the Missouri River and became nationally known as the "jumping off point" for the opening of the West. Buffalo Bill Cody spent part of his youth here and later worked in the area as a Pony Express rider and Army scout. Codys parents are buried in Leavenworth.

Leavenworth has numerous historic vintage homes, sites, depots, and, of course, the "Big House," the United State Federal Penitentiary. Leavenworth boasts numerous beautiful Victorian homes, such as the Carroll Mansion and several preserved depots that are available for touring.

Fort Leavenworth was established in 1827 and is the oldest fort in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. For the next several decades it played an important role in keeping the peace among the various Indian tribes and the increasing number of settlers heading west. By the 1840s, travel to Oregon and California had begun and thousands of wagons passed through Fort Leavenworth on the way to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Fort Leavenworth is well preserved with many historic sites. The Buffalo Soldier Monument is a magnificent tribute to the 9th and 10th Cavalry of Black Soldiers that were forgotten in history.

The land where Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth are located today was originally inhabited by the Kansa, Osage and Delaware Indians. Many of the streets are named after these and other local Indian tribes.

For more information on Leavenworth, contact Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau at (913) 682-4113, 1-800-844-4114, e-mail connie.cvb@sbcglobal.net or visit on the Web at www.visitleavenworthks.com.

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• Leavenworth
• Kansas
• Missouri River
• Buffalo Bill Cody
• Pony Express
• Carroll Mansion
• Penitentiary
• Fort Leavenworth
• Buffalo Soldier