A trip to the nearby Fort Larned National Historic Site was an interesting outing.

The fort was built in 1859 and stood for 19 years. It and several other forts were built to protect those that traveled the Santa Fe Trail.

An African-American regiment, nicknamed buffalo soldiers" by the Native Americans served here. So named because their hair was similar to that of buffalo hair.

In 1883 Fort Larned military reservation was transferred from the war Department to the General Land Office, U.S. Department of the Interior.

In 1884 the buildings and land were sold at public auction. For the next 80 years the property remained privately owned. The buildings
were not destroyed however some were converted to house animals as well as store hay.

In 1964 Fort Larned became a national historic site and part of the National Park System. It has been restored to its prior condition and the Barracks have been converted to the Visitors Center and museum with a short film on the facility.

The grounds are in very nice condition and well groomed. I am sure that those many soldiers that served here would be proud to know it has been preserved in such a fine way.

You can tour all of the buildings but it was too hot for us to do that, however we did spend a lot of time in the museum and watched the film. the Visitors Center is
air conditioned and was quite comfortable.

The photos are of some of the buildings that are built in a square around the parade grounds with the flat in the center.