Fort Larned National Historic Site

Discover a complete and authentic army post from the 1860s -1870s! This well-preserved fort on the Santa Fe Trail shares a tumultuous history of the Indian Wars era. The sandstone constructed buildings sheltered troops who were known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.

Artillery Demonstration

Volunteers demonstrating the use of a mountain howitzer during one of Fort Larned's living history weekends.

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms fire a reproduction period cannon.

Aerial Photo of Fort Larned

The historic sandstone buildings at Fort Larned date to 1868

Sandstone army buildings arranged in a square around parade ground.

Blacksmith Demonstrations at Fort Larned

The blacksmith demonstration is one of the most popular living history demonstrations.

Man in leather apron hammering hot steel in blacksmith shop.

Flag Retreat

Volunteers help recreate the U.S. Army flag lowering ceremony known as Retreat.

Men in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms lower an American flag.

Visitors in the Barracks

A volunteer shows visitors how soldiers lived during the 1860s at Fort Larned.

Man in 19th century U.S. Army uniform interacts with visitors in period barracks.

Visiting Santa

Young visitors get their picture taken with Santa during the fort's Christmas Past event.

Three young children having their picture taken with Santa Claus in a period room.

Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo Soldier re-enactors help bring Fort Larned's history to life.

African American men in 19th century cavalry uniforms on horseback.