1. Welcome and Instructions
Welcome to the Frontier Army Museum's audio tour. Please listen to the instruction to learn how to navigate the application.The Frontier Army Museum collects, preserves, and safeguards material culture of the United States Army and uses its holdings to support Professional Military Education, collections-based research, the development of educational materials, and educational initiatives to inform the public concerning the history of the Frontier Army, the Combined Arms Center, and Fort Leavenworth.Additionally, the Frontier Army Museum uses its collection and facilities to educate soldiers and Department of the Army civilians by providing venues for professional development and for public and strategic communications in support of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth.
2. History of the Frontier Army Museum
An organization called “Old Rolling Wheels” was the precursor to the Frontier Army Museum of today. Lieutenant Colonels Frederick Gilbreath, Executive Officer and Secretary of Command and General Staff School (CGSS), and Paul R. Davison, School librarian, are credited with assembling this priceless collection of nineteenth century transportation vehicles. The organization began collecting wagons and carriages from the 19th century, including a large collection from the post wagon shop after its closure.By 1938 the collection grew large enough that LTC Gilbreath sought official War Department authorization to become a museum. Approval was granted on 12 February 1938 and the Fort Leavenworth Museum was formed.Civilian transportation employees, brothers Willian and John McGlinn, volunteered much of their time to restoration and collection of the vehicles. William “Wink” was Coach master and Johnny was Wagon Boss in the Old Rolling Wheels Organization.The Fort Leavenworth Museum opened in Building #74 on McPherson Avenue in 1938. Constructed in 1888, this building originally housed the plumbing shop and date the Army education Center.With the outbreak of World War II, the museum closed. The museum reopened in building #391 on 11 November 1953. This building was constructed in 1909 as Quartermaster Stables of the US Military Prison, which held up to 100 animals.On 1 September 1958, Miss. Mildren C. Cox was appointed the first curator of the Fort Leavenworth Museum. Under her guidance the museum moved to its present location, Andrews Hall, building #801, in April of 1959. In 1960 the museum was officially recognized as an Army Museum and renamed Frontier Army Museum.Today the museum holds just over 4400 pieces in its collection focusing on nineteenth century military history and the story of Fort Leavenworth (1827-present).The Frontier Army Museum is part of the Army Museum Enterprise (AME) under the Center of Military History, TRADOC (Training and Army Doctrine). The AME consists of 46 field museums, 2 museum support centers, and 3 Training Support facilities. The entire AME collection consists of over a half of million 3D and archival materials including vehicles, uniforms, small arms, and more to educate soldiers and the public on Army history.
3. The Founding of Fort Leavenworth
The area in which Fort Leavenworth sits was part of the Louisiana Purchase, the 828,800 square mile parcel of French territory bought by President Jefferson in 1803. In early July 1804, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery passed through the area.The fort sits on a high bluff, about 300 feet above the Missouri River. This position above the water line is what first attracted Colonel Henry Leavenworth in May 1827. Originally, COL Leavenworth and his men were ordered to select a location on the eastern bank of the Missouri River for a cantonment that would serve to protect the Santa Fe Trail. However, due to potential flooding Leavenworth selected a location on the western side, which would later become the state of Kansas
4. First Days at Cantonment Leavenworth
The original cantonment was centered around a small square main parade (500 feet per side). The buildings were constructed with locally sourced materials including limestone, brick, and wood.Two of the oldest buildings from this period still exist. The Rookery, constructed from 1828-1834, was constructed of wood and masonry. Sumner House, built in 1840, was constructed with bricks and is modeled after French Colonial architecture. Other support buildings around the main parade included a hospital, guardhouse, and shops.
5. Fort Leavenworth Murals
The museum currently displays three large murals painted by Eric Bransby – The First Dragoons: Fort Leavenworth; The Fork - The Oregon And Santa Fe Trail; and Keelboats on the Missouri Founding of Fort Leavenworth.During the Great Depression, Bransby studied under Thomas Hart Benton in Kansas City. He continued painting even while enlisting in the Army. Mr. Bransby took his paints with him to Ft. Leavenworth in 1942 and the only place he could find at night to paint with any light was in the latrine. He became known as the latrine painter.The post Chaplin asked him to paint inspirational murals on the walls of the Reception Center where the new recruits stood when they took their oath. Bransby could only paint during the night when the building was not in use. The Chaplin let him sleep on one of the pews in the back of the chapel during the day while he did the murals. Mr. Bransby stated that he chose a biblical theme to please the Chaplin. The image below is the completed mural in the Reception Center.Unfortunately these murals from the Reception did not survive.
6. Portrait of Henry Leavenworth
George Catlin painted this small portrait of Henry Leavenworth in 1834 at Fort Gibson in Indian territory, near present Tulsa. Catlin painted it only a few weeks before Leavenworth's death on an expedition to the Comanche and Pawnee Pict in Cross Timbers country (Oklahoma). Catlin was a 19th century American painter, author and traveler. He was known for specializing in portraits of Native Americans. Catlin rarely painted white men, which makes this portrait of Leavenworth unique. The painting is currently on display at the museum.For more on the life of George Catlin visit: https://www.georgecatlin.org/biography.htmlFor more information about the Leavenworth portrait: https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-quarterly-the-catlin-portrait-of-general-leavenworth/17436
7. Henry Leavenworth
Born on 10 December 1783, Henry Leavenworth enlisted in the army as a Captain just before the War of 1812. In 1819, Col. Henry Leavenworth and the 5th Infantry arrive at Bdote to build what would become Ft. Snelling. A few years later, in 1827, he established a cantonment on the Missouri River which would later become Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.While leading an expedition against the Pawnee and Comanche Indians in 1834, Leavenworth fell ill and passed away. Shortly before his death he was promoted to brigadier general.
8. Harriet Lovejoy Leavenworth
Harriet Lovejoy, at the age of 22, began life as an army wife when she married Major Henry Leavenworth. Just one day after her wedding; Harriet began traveling with the Army when she accompanied her husband on his 1814 campaign against the British during the War of 1812. During the War, she was a kind and consoling nurse to wounded and dying soldiers. In 1815, the couple welcomed their daughter Alida.In 1817, Leavenworth was appointed Indian agent in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and two years later Harriet and Alida joined Henry in Wisconsin and later at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Harriet and her daughter lived the life of an army family, following Henry Leavenworth from post to post.Harriet became a hostess to visiting officials and travelers on the frontier. She added style and grace to an often-mundane life and was responsible for the moral and educational standards of adults and children at Fort Snelling. Although the Leavenworth’s time at Fort Snelling was short, Henry chose to leave a tribute to his wife and named a small lake after her, aptly called Lake Harriet.Harriet’s life as an Army wife came to an abrupt end in 1834, when Henry died while on expedition in Indian Territory. 5 years later, after returning to New York, Harriet suffered the loss of her daughter who was just 24 years old. Harriet died in 1854 at the age of 63. She was buried alongside Alida in Newburgh, New York. Harriet was not only a wife and mother; she was a Frontier Army wife.
9. Leavenworth Prisons
Follow the link below to view footage of early 1900s USDB activities.USDB Activities Early Footage
10. History of Fort de Cavagnial
When Colonel Henry Leavenworth established Fort Leavenworth in 1827 he probably had the same reasoning and idea as the French did in 1774 for a cantonment. The exact location of Fort de Cavagnial is still a mystery, but through written sources from travelers and expeditions, such as the journals of Lewis and Clark and Colonel Stephen Long, evidence shows that it was located somewhere in the vicinity of Fort Leavenworth. The French chose an area along the river in order to regulate trade, especially with the Spanish who were also claiming land in the New World particularly in New Mexico. The French also chose this area because it overlooked Kansa tribe territory which allowed them to trade with the Kansa and other western tribes.
11. Post Megaphone
Bugle calls were utilized on posts to communicate to soldiers throughout the day about drills, assemblies, roll calls, meals, and bedtime. A large megaphone helped magnify the sound to be heard throughout the post.A typical day was organized as follows, with commands for each activity being communicated by a bugle call: Reveille or the wake up call sounded at daybreak. Assembly or roll call sounded a few minutes later. For mounted troops, stable call came immediately after reveille, forty minutes before noon and again immediately after retreat at sunset. The men cleaned the stables and fed and watered the horses. Infantry jokingly referred to the dragoons as "nursemaids". Sick call also came before breakfast at 7:10, and any who were ailing were sent to the post surgeon for examination and treatment, if needed. Mess call for breakfast sounded at 7:30 am. Lunch was at noon and evening mess was scheduled at the company level and was governed by the completion of routine work or fatigue duties. Fatigue call was sounded after breakfast, and the men were detailed from each company for such jobs as working on a construction site, cutting timber, hauling wood, working at the sawmill, cleaning the post, loading and unloading supplies, building a road, tending the post gardens, and numerous other duties. Those assigned guard duty, which was done on a rotating basis, were not assigned to work details. The changing of the guard, or guard mounting, was held mid morning and accompanied by another bugle call. Guards were on duty for twenty-four hours and were usually divided into three reliefs. Each relief stood guard for two hours and was off for four hours on a rotating basis. Drill instruction, which occurred only one or two days a week, was called at 10:00 am and occasionally after lunch at 1:00, after which the soldiers returned to fatigue duties. The daily retreat ceremony (lowering of the flag) occurred at sunset, was preceded by the fourth roll call of the day, and could include an evening dress parade. In the 1840s, the last bugle call of the day was tattoo, which required all soldiers to be at their quarters unless they were on special leave or guard duty. The fifth and final roll call was conducted immediately after the sounding of tattoo before the soldiers entered their quarters for the night.Bugle call information provided by: https://www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/education/infantry8.html
12. History of the Bugle Call
Bugles are horn instruments used for signaling daily routines for soldiers. Designated calls signaled different movements to include waking up, training, and even time to eat.Listen to bugle calls here: https://www.bands.army.mil/music/buglecalls/History of Army bugle calls:https://www.army.mil/article/160873/bugle_calls_part_of_army_tradition
13. Fort Leavenworth Cemeteries
Due to military tradition at the time, two cemeteries were originally established on the fort grounds: one for enlisted soldiers and one for officers.In 1858, the remains from both post cemeteries were re-interred into a single site on the military reservation. When Congress approved the creation of national cemeteries in 1862, the Fort Leavenworth cemetery became one of 14 national cemeteries to be designated or established as such that year. Of the original 14 national cemeteries, Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery was the largest and contained 36.10 acres.For more information about national cemeteries: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftleavenworth.aspNotable Burials at Fort Leavenworth National CemeteryMedal of Honor recipients Captain Harry Bell, for action in the Philippine–American War Captain Thomas W. Custer, brother of George Armstrong Custer, two time recipient – the first for action at the Battle of Namozine Church, the second for action at the Battle of Sayler's Creek, both during the Civil War Lieutenant Junior Grade William E. Hall, for action in World War II Corporal John Kile, for action in the Indian Wars Private Fitz Lee, for action in the Spanish–American War Private George Miller, for action in the Indian Wars Private Edward Pengally, for action in the Indian Wars First Sergeant Joseph Robinson, for action in the Indian WarsOthers Lieutenant Colonel David Hillhouse Buel, Chief of Ordnance of the Army of the Tennessee Brigadier General Henry Leavenworth, namesake of Fort Leavenworth Sergeant Donald Walters, Silver Star recipient killed in action in the Iraq War Captain George Wilhelmus Mancius Yates, 7th Cavalry under Lt. Col. George Armstong Custer, killed in action at the Battle of the Little BigHorn, Montana
15. The "Western Engineer"
The “Western Engineer” was an experimental steamboat planned by Major Stephen Harriman Long. The steamboat was needed for the Yellowstone expedition, which included a crew to perform science and engineering functions, in conjunction with U.S. Army topographical engineers.The steamboat was 75 feet long, with a single paddlewheel at the back. The Western Engineer was designed to fit in narrow and shallow channels. When empty the boat could float in only 19 inches of water. The Missouri Gazette in May of 1819, reported that “The Western Engineer is well armed and carries an elegant flag representing a white man and an Indian shaking hands, the calumet of peace and the sword.” This was the first steamboat to travel up the Missouri River into the Louisiana Purchase territory all the way to Nebraska.For more information on the The Western Engineer: https://history.nebraska.gov/blog/when-dragon-boat-came-nebraska
16. Percival Lowe's Long March
Percival G. Lowe wrote a book titled, “Five Years a Dragoon” in which he details his life as a dragoon recruit and as a civilian. Lowe provides insight on what life was like during the period between the Mexican War and Civil War when the frontier army’s focus was establishing itself in the largely uncharted West.Formation of the DragoonsThe need for a mounted force to protect trade with Mexico became apparent during the first escort duties in 1829. The Infantry was not mobile enough to succeed in this duty. Many travelers and traders, along with Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton petitioned Congress to raise a mounted force. The Mounted Rangers was a volunteer force formed whose members provided their own horses and firearms, but it was short lived. In 1833, the Mounted Rangers were disbanded and Congress authorized the formation of the First Regiment of Dragoons. The first official Santa Fe Trail escort duty was in 1834 when Captain Clifton Wharton, commander of Company A was ordered to join the Santa Fe caravan. A second regiment of Dragoons was raised in 1836 and served in the Seminole Wars in Florida. In 1861 the two regiments of Dragoons were re-designated as the 1st and 2nd U.S. Cavalry.FreightingIn the late 1840s Fort Leavenworth took on the additional role of a supply depot. The post’s location along the river made it ideal to receive supplies from the east and then ship them overland by wagon to posts further west. Both Army supply wagons and contractor wagons were used to deliver supplies.
17. Santa Fe Trail
When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail was the trade route used to supply Mexico with manufactured goods produced in the U.S. Goods were shipped, sold, and traded in Santa Fe, Mexico. At first there were no military escorts for the wagon trains transporting goods. They were at risk of hostile Native American attacks, a threat that became so apparent that travelers and traders began petitioning the U.S. government to provide military escorts for protection. Fort Leavenworth was established in 1827 to provide this much needed protection on the Santa Fe Trail. In 1829, Major Bennet C. Riley, stationed at Fort Leavenworth, along with three companies of the 6th Infantry and one company of riflemen served as the first protective services on the trail. Major Riley later reported that the Infantry was not mobile enough to provide adequate safety for the wagon trains. He believed a mounted force would be more effective. After the need for a mounted force became more apparent, the U.S. Congress authorized the Regiment of Dragoons in 1833. The Dragoons became the first horse-soldier force for the U.S. since the War of 1812 and served In that capacity until the 1860s when they were converted into the Cavalry. Army wagons became a common sight on the Santa Fe Trail. In addition to providing protection, Army wagon trains were needed as expeditions out west increased. During the 1830s and 1840s the Army conducted many missions for the purpose of exploration and reconnaissance. Many expeditions used the Santa Fe Trail as an outward bound route and for a return route. The Army preferred to use mules to pull their wagons, usually in teams of four, because they could pull heavy loads at a fast speed. Army wagons were usually painted Venetian red and blue per Army regulation. The Army hired civilian teamsters to drive the wagon trains. In addition to driving the wagons, teamsters were responsible for packing the wagons, wagon maintenance, and taking care of the mules. The Army preferred civilians as teamsters rather than soldiers because civilians were less likely to desert their position. Many civilian teamsters already had experience with driving wagon trains due to the increase of freighting during the 1840s.See a depiction below of what an Army wagon train looked like accompanied by a teamster and dragoon, on display at the Frontier Army Museum.
18. History of the Oregon Trail
Between 1811 and 1830, fur trappers laid down the Oregon Trail. Initially the trail could only be accessed on horseback or foot. By 1836 the first migrant trains of wagons began to cross the terrain. The wagon trains started in Independence, Missouri and traveled West. Slowly but surely improvements to the roads were made. The trail covered over 2,000 miles and stretched all the way to Oregon.
19. Travel on the Oregon Trail
The journey from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon was over 2,000 miles. It took an average of 6 months to complete, typically travelling 15 miles per day. Families took the long arduous journey in hopes of a better life in the West.Families needed to pack all of their supplies in a wagon before they journeyed out. A typical wagon held over 2,000 pounds and measured 10’ long by 4’ wide and 2’ deep. They were made of wood and iron. Oxen or mules were used to pull the wagons because horses ate too much and were very expensive to maintain on the long journey.
20. Battle of El Brazito
The Battle of el Brazito took place early during the Mexican War on December 25, 1846. A few months prior, Colonel Alexander Doniphan received orders from General Stephen Watts Kearney to leave Santa Fe and take his regiment to conquer El Paso and Chihuahua City. On Christmas day Col. Doniphan stopped at a bend in the Rio Grande River known as Brazito to let his troops rest and take the day off. It was while they rested that they spotted a Mexican scouting party and eventually around 1,100 Mexicans from El Paso and Chihuahua City closed in on Col. Doniphan’s 850 men. The Mexican troops wore outstanding uniforms of bright green coats trimmed in red with tall horsetail plumed hats. Many of Col. Doniphan’s men wore ragged buckskins and rough clothing. Appearances can be deceiving, Col. Doniphan and his men formed a line and waited for the Mexican troops to get close enough so they would fire upon the Mexican troops with better accuracy. This broke up the Mexican charge and made them flee. The Mexican force lost 43 men and 50 were wounded. The U.S. only had 7 injured, who all recovered. This victory paved the way for Col. Doniphan to win the battle of Sacramento and allowed the U.S. to take the city of Chihuahua.For more information about the Battle of el Brazito follow the link here https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/trail-dust-battle-at-brazito-coincided-with-christmas/article_a8892faf-f038-5e9b-a523-ffc6af5c6597.html
21. Buffalo Soldiers
There were originally four all-Black infantry units in 1866, but the 38th and 41st consolidated into the 24th and the 39th and 40th into the 25th by Congressional decree in 1869. These new units were based in Texas and Louisiana, respectively. By 1870, all companies of both infantry units had begun a tour of Texas that would last into the 1880s until they moved north. One popular theory about where the term “Buffalo Soldier” comes from is that it derives from the nickname Cheyenne people used to refer to the all-Black cavalry units in the region. Regardless of the name’s origins, though, the Buffalo Soldiers could take pride in this as buffalo were highly regarded in the Great Plains. Their overarching purpose was to defend Western frontier territories in Texas, the Dakotas, and beyond as the United States expanded its borders, most notably serving in the American Frontier Wars, Spanish-American War, and Mexican “Punitive” Expedition. The Buffalo Soldiers’ participation in the former conflict is a source of ongoing debate and study that is worth noting. Several of the Buffalo Soldiers’ achievements in the nineteenth century, as with most American military accomplishments during this time, came at the inherent expense of Indigenous life, autonomy and land, adding to the complex legacy of US imperialism. Historically, white leaders and settlers encouraged friction between Black and Indigenous people throughout North America to diminish the threat of a large uprising, and the Buffalo Soldiers likewise were usually trained to villainize the Indigenous people they encountered rather than empathize with them based on some of their similar experiences. White governments such as that of the United States ultimately exploited both groups throughout the process of frontier expansion; the Buffalo Soldiers fought and displaced Indigenous people for territory that Black people were not usually welcome to live in, a situation that benefited primarily white people.That said, the Buffalo Soldiers’ mission in the West took myriad forms besides actual fighting, from scouting to construction to providing civilian homesteaders with relief from violence and natural disasters. Maintaining communication lines for physical mail and, later, telegraphs were of particular importance as they were the only connection between East and West at the time. The Buffalo Soldiers also escorted stagecoaches (which one can see as an exhibit inside the museum here) and defended railroads, keeping travel on the frontier as secure as possible for Americans.Fort Leavenworth’s 10th Cavalry was the first group to receive the “Buffalo Soldier” nickname and is famous for its successes during the Spanish-American War of 1898. It was the 10th Cavalry that protected Teddy Roosevelt and his famed “Rough Riders” during battle, and of the six Black men who received the Medal of Honor in that war, five were from the 10th Cavalry; four of those five had earned the prestigious award after rescuing stranded Cuban and American soldiers during the Battle of Tayacoba. The 10th Cavalry left Fort Leavenworth in 1867 soon after its conception, but a contingent of it returned in 1931 when the War Department divided and reduced the Buffalo Soldier units. Their job was now focused on support roles such as maintenance and cooking in contrast to the combat-centric position they previously occupied. Although the soldiers performed these duties with the same diligence as they would any other work, the reassignment drew suspicion, especially considering the severely segregated state of Fort Leavenworth itself. The newspaper The Call, which highlights Black issues in the Kansas City area, drew attention to how soldiers in the 10th Cavalry could not patronize the same stores, clubs, or even pools on-post as white soldiers among other issues, which prompted a 1938 investigation into Fort Leavenworth’s segregation policies. This investigation did not result in desegregation, but it still exposed some of the legal racism the 10th Cavalry soldiers faced here and resulted in the creation of somewhat improved amenities for Black troops. Off-post, the 10th Cavalry was rather welcomed, particularly because soldiers brought in a consistent source of revenue for local merchants during the Great Depression. The 10th Cavalry left Fort Leavenworth for the final time to resume combat preparation at nearby Fort Riley in 1940 after a substantial farewell ceremony.
22. Indian Scouts
Native Americans have a long history of U.S. military service that stretches back to the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and later. One year after the Civil War ended, Native Americans were called upon again to serve as enlisted Indian Scouts in the U.S. Army. The Army Reorganization Act of 1866 authorized the enlistment of an Indian force not to exceed 1,000 men, to serve as scouts and receive the same pay as cavalry soldiers. After 1866, Indian Scout became officially enlisted in the Army, before this they were considered employees. Indians Scouts served short terms, usually three to six months, but could enlist multiple times. By the late 1860s the Army had been involved in the Indians Wars for 20 years and because of the vast, challenging land to the west, the Army needed more manpower. Indian Scouts performed reconnaissance and combat duties to help subdue the last warring tribes. Indian Scouts were issued uniforms that usually came from surplus stock and were sometimes mixed with their own native attire. In 1890 a designated uniform and insignia in the form of crossed arrows were authorized by the Army to signify Indian Scouts as a branch of service. By 1917 Indian Scouts could receive discharge papers and were eligible for pensions. Many Native Americans who served received the Medal of Honor for their bravery and hard work. The branch of Indian Scouts was deactivated in 1947.For more information about Indian Scouts in the U.S. follow the links below:https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2009/summer/indian.htmlhttps://www.army.mil/article/114646/native_american_scouts
23. Sheridan's Winter Campaign
General Phillip Sheridan was a main player in moving Plains Indians onto reservations in the 1860s, a time when the Army held many campaigns against native peoples. These campaigns were the result of the Civil War ending and many settlers moving west. Native Americans saw many of these settlers trespassing on their land. The friction between the Native Americans and settlers caused the U.S. government to take action and move Native Americans to reservations. The Native Americans retaliated and refused to move. The government then turned to the military to force Native Americans onto the reservations. In 1867 General Sheridan was appointed by President Grant as head of the Department of Missouri to lead the pacification of Native tribes. General Sheridan realized that Native Americans fought differently than the U.S. military because they relied on ambushing and surprising their enemies. Sheridan adjusted his war tactics by attacking Native Americans in their encampments during the winter in order to give his troops the element of surprise and take advantage of the lack of forage for their horses. In the winter of 1869 General Sheridan attacked the Kiowa, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Arapaho tribes at their camps in what is now northwestern Oklahoma, taking their livestock supplies and killing their horses so they were left to the elements with limited mobility. They were forced to surrender and were taken to reservations.For more information about General Sheridan and his campaigns follow the link here:https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/s_z/sheridan.htm
24. Buffalo Coats
Buffalo coats were the preferred winter attire for U.S. Army soldiers by 1876 and were issued to troops to keep them warm while campaigning on the plains during the winters. Before this, in 1871 troops were issued blanket lined wool overcoats. The wool overcoats were not sufficient enough to keep soldiers warm. The design and execution elements of the buffalo coat kept a soldier warm in subzero temperatures. Buffalo were hunted during the winter months so that the fur collected was thick and woolly. The coats were made large and extended past the knee. They were also double breasted and had a high collar that could be turned up to cover the neck and ears. White men moving west began hunting buffalo for hides as well and turned it into an industry. With the U.S. Army, Native Americans, and white settlers all hunting buffalo; the species was almost completely diminished. The Army replaced the buffalo coats with blanket lined heavy canvas coats.
25. The Nez Perce at Leavenworth
After the Nez Perce War, the captured tribes were sent to Fort Leavenworth. Army records indicate that the number of Nez Perce arriving at Fort Leavenworth consisted of 87 men, 184 women, and 147 children—a total of 418 people. They stayed in 108 army tents arranged in the Missouri River bottom about two miles above the garrison. The Nez Perce stayed at the post from 26 November 1877 until July 1878. In late July the Nez Perce journeyed to a new home on the Quawpaw reservation in extreme northeastern Indian Territory.
27. A Soldiers Life
A soldier’s life on the frontier was a difficult one. Dangerous terrain, harsh weather, and isolation were just a few of the issues they faced. A soldier’s day was filled with drills and chores, with little time for personal relaxing.Typical duties of the frontier Army included: Protecting settlements and forts from hostile indigenous peoples Developing and protecting communication lines between the east and west. This included constructing roads, telegraph lines, railroads and more. Policing the frontier until local civil government was established.In order to stave off boredom, soldiers found different ways to entertain themselves such as,. playing games, music, reading, putting on plays, and more. However, not all forms of entertainment were legal. Gambling, drunkenness, and fights were not an uncommon sight on the frontier.
28. Frontier Army Wives
Life in the Army on the frontier was difficult. History typically reflects the struggles of soldiers during this time, however the wives of these soldiers also played a crucial part in the frontier army story.Read about the biography of Alice Kirk Grierson, wife to Brigadier General Grierson, to get a glimpse into the life of a frontier army wife. Benjamin Grierson was the commander in charge of the newly formed 10th Cavalry also known as the Buffalo Soldiers.By: Alicia Embrey and Stacey MedveExcerpt from “The Girl I Left Behind: Frontier Army Wives 1817-1917” A Frontier Army Museum Publication. Available in the museum gift shop.Alice Kirk Grierson began her life as a Frontier Army wife at the advanced age of 38. She had already endured financial loss, personal difficulties, and frequent separation from her husband and family. She would bear 7 children, 4 of whom would live to adulthood. While her life tells of great hardships, it also speaks of a woman who was tough, intrepid, and who had great strength of character. She was a woman not unlike her peers: supportive, determined, unflappable – truly a remarkable woman.Alice was born in 1828 in Youngstown, Ohio to a wealthy, devout Christian, upper-middle class family. She was the first of 13 children. In 1854 Alice married Benjamin Henry Grierson, a childhood friend who lacked the piety Alice’s father required of a son-in-law. Alice overcame her father’s objections to marry the music teacher.After serious financial reverses, Ben joined the Union army in 1861 as an unpaid aide in an Illinois Infantry Regiment. He quickly was promoted to Major then Colonel due to his uncanny leadership ability. This provided the Griersons with their first steady income. It also provided Alice with her first taste of life as an Army wife. As she raised her family alone, she became acutely aware of the rising death toll from the War of the Rebellion.After his distinguished service in the Civil War, Benjamin Grierson continued his career in the reorganized Army as Colonel with the encouragement of his wife. He assumed command of the Tenth Cavalry, a regiment of black soldiers later known as the Buffalo Soldiers.Alice began her frontier Army life in 1866 when she and her three children joined her husband at Fort Leavenworth. Although the Grierson’ stay was short, they both contributed greatly to the organization and recruitment of quality soldiers which would form the famous Tenth Cavalry.Over the next twenty years, the Griersons’ travel led them throughout the western frontier. They were posted to Fort Riley, Kansas (1867), Fort Gibson, and Fort Sill, Indian Territory (1868 and 1869), Fort Concho, and Fort Davis, Texas (1875-1882). Their later assignments were all in the Arizona Territory. Except for the growing financial concerns, Alice enjoyed these assignments. Due to the advancement of the railroad, there was a wide variety of social and cultural activities. Unfortunately, financial concerns overshadowed their lives.Alice never lived to see her husband’s dream of being promoted to General come true. She died August 16, 1888 after a long-ignored illness. Twenty months later, Colonel Grierson received his promotion to Brigadier General. Alice Kirk Grierson was a supportive wife, loving mother and a friend to all those she met. General Grierson felt that his promotion was as much Alice’s achievement as his own. His success as an officer and as a man was due to Alice’s tireless efforts during their lifetime.
29. The Jenny
Beginning in 1910 Mexico experienced a revolution and struggled to find a leader who could maintain peace and order. Many Americans living and working in Mexico lost their homes, property, jobs, and even their lives due to the conflict. When the president of Mexico was assassinated and Victoriano Huerta set up his own government, the United States (and President Woodrow Wilson) refused to recognize it as a true government. This created tension between the U.S. and Mexico. From 1914 until 1920 many rival armed factions fought for control of Mexico while U.S. troops occupied it. Venustiano Carranza and Francisco (Pancho) Villa took control of the capitol, but eventually became rivals causing a new conflict to break out. Americans along the border were caught in the crossfire of the two rival forces. Venustiano Carranza temporarily gained control and in an effort to help restore order, was considered by the U.S. to be the de facto government leader. This outraged Pancho Villa and his rival faction. On March 9, 1916 Poncho Villa crossed the international border and attacked the town of Columbus, New Mexico. After this attack General Pershing got permission from President Wilson to cross the border and pursue Pancho Villa. Accompanying General Pershing was the 1st Aero Squadron and the 10th Cavalry out of Fort Huachuca.Pancho Villa was never captured and after an 11 month excursion U.S. troops were eventually ordered to go home. The Punitive Expedition was the first excursion for the 1st Aero Squadron to use the JN-3 biplane, an earlier version of the JN-4D biplane pictured here. They turned out to be unsuccessful because they could not hold up in the harsh desert environment, the engines were hard to keep clean, and the variation in temperature and humidity warped and cracked the wood. The Punitive Expedition turned out to be a critical training ground for aviators and aviation in combat. By the time the expedition ended less than a year later, the Army had effectively transitioned from a horse-powered to a gasoline-driven force with the first use of airplanes and trucks.
30. Lincoln's Visit to Kansas
Abraham Lincoln traveled to Leavenworth in December 1859 when he campaigned for presidency. In the speeches he gave in Leavenworth he talked about Kansas’s role in the Union and that some course would need to be taken on the issue of slavery and the very idea of it is wrong. He also touched on many other issues going on at the time. The carriage pictured here is believed to be the carriage Lincoln rode in from Troy, KS to Leavenworth. A brass plate on the door reads, “The carriage was used by Abraham Lincoln from Troy, Kansas to Leavenworth in 1859. Built by Brewster in New York 1841. Used in Washington D.C. 1850 and in Leavenworth 1854. Owned, preserved, and presented by H. Bayer in business in Leavenworth 82 years.” During his visit to Leavenworth Lincoln stayed with the Delahay family and shared beer with them poured from the pitcher pictured here. On the bottom of the pitcher is a handwritten note that reads, “From this pitcher Mr. A Lincoln drank a glass of beer when a guest of my father Mar W. Delahay in 1859 at Leavenworth Kansas Kiowa St. near 3rd St. M.E.D.”
31. Fort Leavenworth Hunt Club
Formed in 1926, members of the Fort Leavenworth Hunt Club pursued foxes and coyotes while on horseback and with the help of foxhounds. The club is still active today and is a chase only activity. It is a great opportunity for both military and civilians to get out and ride at Fort Leavenworth and parts of the Flint Hills.Website: Fort Leavenworth Fox Hunt :: Ft. Leavenworth :: US Army MWR
32. Frontier Winters
Before the invention of automobiles, horse drawn vehicles were used for individual transportation. During the winter months carriages, due to their thin wheels and heavy loads, had difficulty traveling through the snow. Sleighs were a better option for wintertime travel.
33. Holidays on the Frontier
Life on the frontier was difficult, however celebrating holidays helped to alleviate boredom and isolation. Before the Civil War, Christmas was not an official holiday in the United states. It was not celebrated uniformly across the nation. By the mid 19th century the holiday’s importance began to grow. After the Civil War ended, popular magazines and newspapers promoted the importance of Christmas to highlight the importance of family unity and remembering those lost. In 1870, congress passed the first federal holiday law and made Christmas an official holiday.
