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Fort Larned National Historic Site :-
Fort Larned was established in 1859 on the vast prairie in western
Kansas near the midpoint of the Santa Fe Trail. As the major route of trade
between Missouri and Santa Fe, there was an almost constant succession of
freight caravans along the Trail. Plains Indians, alarmed by the seemingly
endless stream of caravans disrupting their way of life, resisted passage
of these latest arrivals through their homelands. Troops stationed at Fort
Larned and several other military posts along the Trail protected mail coaches,
freighters and other Trail traffic. As the site of an Indian Agency, Fort
Larned also was instrumental in maintaining friendly relations with Plains
Indians by distributing annuities promised to them by treaties. Today, with
nine restored buildings, it is the best preserved Indian Wars military post
on the Santa Fe Trail.
ACTIVITIES
When available, living historians staff the infantry barracks,
post blacksmith shop, hospital, blockhouse, commissary and officers quarters.
During the summer season, there are demonstrations providing a more detailed
look at life in the 1860s. Other special activities are scheduled from April
to December.
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