Special report on eight Kansas forts - Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott, Fort Riley, Fort Harker, Fort Hays, Fort Larned, Fort Dodge, Fort Wallace

Western forts played a crucial role in the nation’s expansion and military affairs during much of the 19th century. In Kansas, eight major Army installations were part of significant events in the development of the West. Collectively these forts document the history, folklore, legends, controversies, hardships, and turmoil associated with Euro-American and American Indian life on the frontier. The purpose of this report is to suggest viable options for the preservation and interpretation of the eight forts- not just individually, but also describing their collective roles in westward expansion and as part of the Kansas frontier in the 19th century.This report outlines various opportunities for improving coordination and cooperation among the entities that manage the eight forts. The study did not attempt to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the significance, suitability, and feasibility of the forts as potential new units of the national park system or other special designations such as a national historic trail, corridor, or heritage partnership. Because two of the forts are already units of the national park system, and several others are being protected and managed in ways that allow for public appreciation, a comprehensive study was not considered necessary or appropriate. This report provides technical assistance to other federal, state, and local agencies as well as public organizations. The study does not involve any specific suggestions for federal action beyond coordination of existing problems, and therefore it is considered to be a categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act. Planning and specific facility development or improvements would, in the future, be accompanied by appropriate documentation of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and other applicable requirements. This report also provides a brief overview of the history and setting of the eight forts and places them within a broad historic context. It also lists each area’s National Register of Historic Places and state site status and includes a brief description of the current demographics of each county or region. Interpretive themes that are common to these historic sites are also discussed, along with long-term goals and obstacles to establishing a Kansas forts network and a brief summary of recommendations and suggestions for helping the individual forts realize their full potential.