Leavenworth County Live Cam

History

Leavenworth County, located in northeastern Kansas, holds a significant place in American history due to its early settlement, role in westward expansion, and contribution to military history. The county, established in 1855, is one of the oldest in Kansas and has roots stretching back to the 19th century when explorers, Native American tribes, and settlers shaped the area. The area now known as Leavenworth County was initially home to several Native American tribes, including the Kansa (or Kaw), Osage, and other Plains tribes who lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading in what was then the vast Kansas Territory.

Leavenworth County’s development accelerated in 1827 when Colonel Henry Leavenworth established Fort Leavenworth. The fort quickly became a central military outpost for the United States Army, strategically positioned along the Missouri River. Its establishment was intended to protect American settlers moving westward and to secure the area for future settlements. Fort Leavenworth became instrumental in several military operations, providing support for westward expansion and serving as a key base during the Indian Wars, the Mexican-American War, and later, the Civil War. Today, Fort Leavenworth remains the oldest active military installation west of the Mississippi River, and it is home to the United States Army Combined Arms Center, an essential component of military training and leadership development.