Fort Leavenworth Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of soldiers. Some were well-known, decorated officers, but many were interred as unknown soldiers of war. Some of the graves here go back to 1844 – more than 20 years before it even became an official cemetery.

While it can be a peaceful experience to wander through these historical headstones, you might find that your quiet walk turns into something a bit more creepy. It’s said that many spirits roam this place, doomed to never find the peace of the afterlife.

Fort Leavenworth Cemetery is one of the largest national cemeteries in the country, covering just over 36 acres. In the dense fog, it's easy to become disoriented and confused.
The KC Kid/Flickr
As you stumble around, trying to find your way back to your car, you might be stunned to see the regal, straight-backed figure of Chief Joseph emerge from the fog. He was a Nez Perce leader who was held as a prisoner of war at the fort for eight months in 1877. Chief Joseph witnessed the deaths of many of his 400 fellow tribe members there. Though he survived, he's said to haunt the cemetery out of grief and bitterness.
One of the ghosts in the cemetery is thought to be that of Catherine Rich.
Chris Murphy/flickr
Hiram Rich served as the sutler for the fort from 1841 to 1862; he lived with his wife, Catherine and their two children in a home a few miles away. The family visited the fort one winter day, and the two children, Ethan and Mary, went off the gather firewood. They didn't return. Hiram and Catherine searched for days. Eventually Hiram returned home, but Catherine stayed on at the fort to continue the search. She searched late every night, carrying a lantern around the fort and calling for her children. She died of pneumonia that winter.

The children showed up at the fort in the spring, brought in by Fox Indians. Apparently, the youngesters had fallen into the river and were swept away. Catherine's ghost still wanders the cemetery. You might see her with her lantern, or hear her calling for her children and sobbing.

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Visitors to this cemetery often witness ghostly soldiers hobbling around the grounds.
Chris Murphy/flickr
Soldiers wearing many different uniforms from different wars appear to wander around here. All seem to be confused, and often appear injured.

One soldier is very young - perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old, wearing a Union uniform. Several people claim to have seen this young man during daylight hours. He isn't shy - he'll approach people as if to ask for help. When he gets close, you can see that much of his face is missing...then he disappears.
The ghost of General George Armstrong Custer is also seen here.
Chris Murphy/flickr
General Custer was court-martialed at Fort Leavenworth in 1867 for leaving his post and mistreating many of his soldiers. He's said to haunt the General's Residence on Scott Avenue, but he's also seen in the cemetery, kneeling at various gravestones as if in prayer. Perhaps he feels guilty about the way he commanded his troops?

Have you visited this cemetery? Did you see anything strange? Tell us about it!

To learn about more haunted cemeteries in Kansas, read this article.

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