Fort Leavenworth is a United States Army base located in Leavenworth, Kansas and has the distinction of being the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas. The garrison today manages and maintains the the United States Army Combined Arms Center. The base also houses a Federal Penitentiary on its 5,600 acre campus.
The closest international airport to base is Kansas City International which is about 30 minutes away by car. Kansas City also has an Amtrak station which can transport passengers by land if they prefer this method of travel.
This area gets about 40 inches of rain per year and less snowfall than most regions in the United States. The average high temperature is about 90°F degrees in the summer and about 20°F in the winter, however much of the time the temperature and climate are pleasant and hang at around 70°F.
Quick Facts
| Coordinates | 39° 21' 14.91" N 94° 55' 41.72" W |
|---|---|
| City | Leavenworth, KS 66027 |
| Phone | 913-684-2800 |
| DSN | 552-2800 |
History of Fort Leavensworth
In the 18th Century, the location was still primarily the edge of what continued to be the unknown and wild west. It is here that the Kanza or Kansa tribe made their home and European settlers felt the natives’ survival in the area meant they too would stand a good chance. Named after Colonel Henry Leavenworth (in 1832), the fort officially was established in 1827 as a way to protect settler interest in the Santa Fe Trail. Following the removal of Native Americans into westward territory, the fort was key to ensure Natives were abiding to the demands of the relatively new government. In 1854, the fort acted as the Capital of the state for one year before being moved elsewhere.
During the Civil War, attacks were planned on Fort Leavenworth, which at this time acted as an arsenal, however, the plan never came to fruition, instead until the 1890's the Fort spent much of its time fending off hundreds of native tribes. These attacks were met with resistance from a cavalry which was implemented around the same time. During World War I, the cavalry provided excellent soldiers who reportedly did well overseas. Before World War II, both Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton trained here. During World War II, Fort Leavenworth produced over 19,000 officers.
More recently, the Fort focuses on the Combined Arms Center and has been subjected to several bad floods because of its proximity to the Mississippi River; one which occurred as recently as 2011.
Lodging and Housing
On base, The Holiday in Express Hoge Hall provides rooms to both personnel and civilians for about $70 a night. Here, available amenities are a bowling center, an outdoor pool, movie theater, and golf course. Pets are allowed in the rooms with a base fee of $75 and a $7 per night additional fee.
Hotels near Fort Leavenworth that are rated favorably range in price between $110 and $130 per night. These are Condotel Suites , Fairfield Inn and Suites Leavenworth, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Leavenworth Downtown.
Schools near Fort Leavensworth
All the information necessary to learn about educational options for personnel with school aged children can be found in this online information sheet including a listing of public schools, districting, private, charter, and home school options, and the appropriate contact information for each of these programs.
There are quite a few higher education institutions near Fort Leavenworth. Barton Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College are institutions which Associate Degrees can be earned. Webster University, Upper Iowa University, and the University of Saint Mary’s all have both Undergraduate and Gradate programs.
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
Several Community Support programs available at Fort Leavenworth are the New Parent Support Program, English as a Second Language for Spouses, Bowling, Adult League Softball, Smooth move – a plan to help family moves become easier, and “The Lewis and Clark Challenge” which is an Amazing Race style adventure which sends families or groups on trips which involve a series of courses.
Childcare is available for ages six weeks to five years old provided by professionals as grades K-6 age centers are optional for care before or after school. There is also a programs here called ‘Parents Night Out’ and ‘Parents Day Out’ which is an essential babysitting service so that parents and couples can enjoy some alone time while their children are guided in developmental activities.
The Calendar of events at Fort Leavenworth have mountains of activities throughout the entire week available for both personnel and their children.
Things to Do
Kansas City is far and away the best place for off base activities on both the Missouri and Kansas side of the River. For those who enjoy architecture and art, consider visiting The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Roller coaster and amusement lovers will love the closeness of Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun Amusement Park. Dozens of exotic animals can be visited at the Kansas City Zoo.The Presidential Library of Harry S. Truman is perfect for those who enjoy American History. One of the interesting features of Kansas City is that it exists between two states – Missouri and Kansas. There are many things to do here, the above listing are just a few things to do in the area and the cities near Fort Leavenworth always have things to do and places to see.