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Historic Fort Riley, KansasVisit Three Museums and Many Interesting Historical Sites
Fort Riley, Kansas is home to many historic sites. The 1st Infantry Division Museum, the U.S. Cavalry Museum, and Custer House offer insight into military history.
Whether a fan of nineteenth century U.S. history or a World War II veteran; a day spent visiting Fort Riley's museums and historic monuments will prove educational and rewarding. Within a ten-mile radius, visit more than six monuments, three museums, the first territorial capital of Kansas and view historic limestone buildings with unique architecture. 1st Infantry Division MuseumThose individuals with an interest in the military will enjoy the 1st Infantry Division Museum. This museum chronicles the history of the Big Red One from 1917 to present time. Four major campaigns from World War I through Operation Desert Storm are chronicled in this museum. U.S. Cavalry MuseumOriginally the post hospital and later post headquarters, the building housing the U.S. Cavalry Museum is one of the oldest buildings on Fort Riley. The museum provides a great deal of information about the horse soldier. Learn about the role of the cavalry in the military from the 1800's until around 1950. Displays include Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, Buffalo Soldiers, and World War II Horse Soldiers. Custer HouseExperience life as it would have been on a frontier military installation. Authentic period furnishings in several rooms provide visitors a view of the last original officers quarters on Fort Riley. The name of this house would indicate that George A. Custer, of The Battle of Little Big Horn infamy, lived in it at some point in the past. However, historians believe that Custer actually lived in a similar home nearby. First Territorial Capital of KansasThe first legislature of the Kansas Territory convened for four days during July, 1855. This modest limestone building housed this first meeting of the Kansas Legislature. Some historians claim that decisions made in that initial meeting lead to the beginning of the Civil War. Exhibits include several about "Bleeding Kansas" and the controversy surrounding Kansas' involvement in the Civil War. Historical MonumentsSeveral historical markers are scattered around Fort Riley. These markers range from a modern 9-11 Memorial to a monument to a major who oversaw the initial construction of Fort Riley. Information on self-guided tours which highlight these historical markers is available at the U.S. Calvary Museum. To visitors, Fort Riley is more reminiscent of a visit to a park or campus rather than a military installation. Beautiful limestone buildings, manicured lawns, beautiful green trees provide a wonderful backdrop to the historical sites and museums available there. Gain a knowledge of history and experience a dose of beauty at historic Fort Riley.
The copyright of the article Historic Fort Riley, Kansas in Kansas Travel is owned by Peggy Crippen. Permission to republish Historic Fort Riley, Kansas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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