Freedom's Frontier

Discover a complete, authentic 1860s-1870s army post. This well-preserved fort on the Santa Fe Trail (located outside of the heritage area) shares Indian Wars era history. Sandstone constructed buildings sheltered troops known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.

Though this site is outside of the borders of Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area, its stories connect with ours and it is one of our National Park Service partners.

1867 and 1868 were Fort Larned's most consequential years. In the spring of 1867, General Hancock blundered into war with the Cheyenne, a season of fighting known as Hancock's War. That conflict ended with the pivotal Medicine Lodge Treaty in October, 1867, which Fort Larned supplied. The following year, the gifts promised by the treaty were distributed at Fort Larned.