Fort Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth is a United States Army installation located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, in the city of Leavenworth since it was annexed on April 12, 1977, in the northeast part of the state. Built in 1827, it is the oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C., and the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas.

Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This nickname was given to the Black Cavalry by Native American tribes who fought in the Indian Wars.

The Buffalo Soldier regiments distinguished themselves with their service in the Indian Wars. Thirteen enlistees and six officers earned Medals of Honor.

The four regiments that make up the original Buffalo Soldiers went on to take part in every major American engagement, from the Spanish-American to the war in Afghanistan, though the military was desegregated by President Harry Truman in 1948.