In 1827, the westward migration of settlers was fully under way, and it became imperative for the U.S. military to safeguard American citizens traveling along the Santa Fe Trail in search of opportunities beyond the Missouri River. Components of the 3rd Infantry embarked from Jackson Barracks, Missouri, to survey the potential site where the Missouri and Little Platte Rivers converged. Subsequently, this location was deemed unsuitable due to the regular inundation of the rivers and the resultant prevalence of infectious diseases.
The commanding officer made the decision to relocate further upriver to identify a more suitable site for establishing a permanent military stronghold. Initially, the soldiers relied on rudimentary tent shelters, leaving them vulnerable to illness caused by insects and other environmental factors. As winter approached, enduring log structures were subsequently erected to provide a more permanent solution.
The officer responsible for overseeing the planning and establishment of the small frontier outpost was Colonel Henry Leavenworth. This outpost was named Cantonment Leavenworth after the colonel, and the subsequent county where it was situated also bore his name.
The small cantonment gained increased significance following the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forcibly relocated tribes from their original homes to the west of the Mississippi River and killing a percentage on the move which would be known as the “Trail of Tears” due to the extensive casualties sustained by the native peoples. The Kansas Territory experienced a growth in its native population with the Osage and Potawatomi people from the Northern States but with it also came death from disease, lack of supplies, and exposure to the elements. These changes led to the establishment of the installation as a fort in 1832. It not only served as a key training ground for future Calvary officers but also became one of the initial locations for the territory’s capital.
During the first half of the 19th century, Fort Leavenworth played a critical role in providing supplies to the U.S. Army during conflicts with Native American nations, Mormons, and proponents of slavery in the Western region. These conflicts ranged from minor altercations to major confrontations such as the Mexican-American War and the era referred to as "Bleeding Kansas." Noteworthy individuals from diverse backgrounds were associated with the area during this period, including renowned figures such as scouts and lawmen like Kit Carson and "Wild Bill" Cody, as well as the esteemed cavalry officer George Armstrong Custer.
In 1859, President Lincoln made a notable stop at this location during his election campaign he addressed the controversy surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Thinking it as a failed policy that did not condemn slavery and stop it completely but let it continue to be practiced if not for anything but to keep both sides content. On December 3rd he would tell the crowd what his thoughts were by saying “All those who believe slavery is wrong” proclaimed Lincoln “should unite on a policy, dealing with it as a wrong.”
The post remains active as the oldest permanent military settlement in Kansas and the second-oldest installation west of the Mississippi River. It currently houses the United States Disciplinary Barracks, a maximum-security prison for all military branches.
The Eight Mile House represents the inaugural point along the Military Road, situated eight miles to the west of Fort Leavenworth. The establishment derives its name from this specific geographic location. Initially serving as a Tavern/Saloon at the beginning of the Military Road, the building also catered to settlers embarking on their westward journey along the Oregon Trail, culminating in their arrival at the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The original building, which still stands today, was constructed in 1860 on land purchased by David Herley in 1858. However, by 1887, Herley had relinquished control of the establishment because of financial insolvency, leading to the loss of the property to settle outstanding debts.
The metal marker was installed in 2007, facilitated by the Haupt family and the Captain Jesse Leavenworth chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The road led travelers to the southeast until they reached Stranger Creek, situated on the east side of the modern city of Easton. On the west side, Dawson Creek awaited them. In 1851, Armistead Dawson established a crossing at Dawson Ford to facilitate the transportation of supplies to Fort Riley in Kansas, Fort Laramie in Wyoming, and Fort Union in New Mexico. However, this route fell out of favor due to the creek's tendency to overflow, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding area. Many westward-bound travelers opted for an alternative route located 3 miles north of Dawson's Ford. Easton was founded in 1855 along this alternative route.
Two markers are in Leavenworth County: one at the location of the Eight Mile House at 20074 Santa Fe Trail Easton, Kansas and the other in the city center of Easton, Kansas.
Thanks Megan Hunter at the Frontier Army Museum located at Ft. Leavenworth for assistance during the research process. To find out about Ft. Leavenworth below is a link to the museum and further reading.
To read more about Lincoln's visit to Kansas below is an article going more in depth as well as the local for the quote referenced earlier on this page.
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