The "DB," as it is known, was established as a military prison in 1873. The buildings inside date from 1863 to 1964. The DB is the only military maximum security facility.
This USDB closed in 2003 and the inmates were moved to the new USDB on the west side of the fort. The 'castle' portion in the center of this facility has been removed. The other buildings, walls, grounds and towers remain and have been converted into office spaces and parking areas.
Sculpted by Loredo Taft, in 1889, the statue and the pedestal are 9 feet tall each. It was the largest statue of its type in the Midwest when it was installed.
Fort Leavenworth, KS MemorialsThe main parade ground was originally the center of post activities. Post reviews and parades were held here during negotiations with federal officials in the 1800s.
Fort Leavenworth, KS Military HistoryBarth Hall, the building on the corner of Kearney and McCellan Avenues, was the home in 1881 of the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry, the predecessor of the Command and General Staff College. The large building directly west of Barth Hall is known as the "Beehive." Built in 1882
Fort Leavenworth, KS Historic BuildingsDesignated a National Cemetery by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 along with eleven others, military graves date back to 1846. Today, more than 20,000 veterans representing every war since 1812 are buried in the cemetery. Two soldiers from Operation Desert Storm were interred here in 1991.
Fort Leavenworth, KS CemeteriesThe Rookery at 12-14 Sumner Place is the oldest house in Kansas. It was completed in 1834 and was the first permanent post headquarters building. Lieutenant Douglas MacArthur lived here in the early 1900s. The building is a Registered National Landmark.
Fort Leavenworth, KS Famous HomesOne of the newest parks in the state, Hillsdale provides a much-needed retreat for urban dwellers. Located about 25 miles sou...