This Is The Oldest Place You Can Possibly Go In Kansas And Its History Will Fascinate You
By Clarisa|Published March 07, 2018
×
Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
Kansas history is American history, through and through.
Everything from the wagon trails traveling west to our willingness to survive in a place with such a crazy climate, are parts of Kansas and American history. Without those settlers, we wouldn’t be here in this beautiful state today. But where did we start? The first city in Kansas was an important one, and we’ll never forget our roots. Here’s the oldest place in Kansas, and the city where our state officially started.
Welcome to the historic city of Leavenworth, the first incorporated city in Kansas, and the oldest official location.
You'll find about 36,000 people in this place full of history, a population that loves their roots as the first city, founded in 1854. Fort Leavenworth itself was built in 1827. If you're a Kansas native or if you live in the area, this city belongs on your bucket list for sure.
When you first bring up Leavenworth, most people think about the United States Penitentiary. In reality, there's so much more than that here today.
The scenery is amazing in spring and fall, and you won't find anywhere as classically beautiful. Just look at that foliage! They've got a lot more than foliage in Leavenworth, however.
Advertisement
They're full of history! They're a good sized city today, but they started off a little more humble, as shown by this little school built in 1867.
I can't imagine trying to fit all of Leavenworth's students in to this building today. However, with expanding city lines and plenty of structure upgrades, this historic city has taken on the small town Kansas look without losing utility of its buildings. There's plenty of museum, boutique, and other small business types in the area to keep you busy for a whole weekend if you like.
You could actually see plenty of verbal and physical altercations between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery sides. In April of 1858, the Leavenworth Constitution for Kansas was adopted, which included free African Americans as citizens.
As far as the wars in America, the National Cemetery here in Leavenworth is full of servicemen and women and their immediate families reside here for the rest of existence.
This beautiful cemetery is a great place for solemn thanks and scenic photography, but it's also rumored to be haunted. Like any other cemetery however, you're not permitted on the grounds after dark, so don't get any crazy ideas about ghost hunting during the night.
There's a beautiful city above the streets, but did you know even more is lurking below?
There's a system of tunnels and "vaults" beneath the city that hold a mysterious history that no one is completely sure on. Plus, there's quite a few people who live here that don't even know about the secret beneath their feet. You can tour them yourself through the Richard Allen Cultural Center.
Besides all of the mystery and beauty of today's Leavenworth, we can't forget how important the first city in Kansas is to us in both past and present.
They were the first of many successful and unsuccessful towns, but exploring the first one is something we should all make time to do. Why not add them to your bucket list and take the trip to Leavenworth for a day of history and exploration of our first city.
Have you ever wanted to celebrate your Kansas roots in a simple way that everyone will love? Check out our line of Kansas pride apparel and join us in celebrating our love for this beautiful state.
Otherwise, feel free to check out these amazing places you won’t want to miss out on this year. The best of Kansas’ nature – all in one list!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
