Fort Larned

Fort Larned is located about 30 miles south of Hays, Kansas.It was built in the 1860's as one of several forts intended to protect commerce along the Santa Fe Trail. During its brief existence, it served in other capacities as well. These included 1) an agency of the Indian Bureau which tried to find peaceful solutions to the cultural differences between white settlers and the tribes, 2) a post for the Indian Wars when peace wasn't obtained 3) and lastly as protection for the workers building the Santa Fe Railroad. Ironically, once the railroad was completed, Fort Larned became obsolete.