Fort Leavenworth, KS Mormon Battalion Brochure 2015

A bit of

History

Fort Leavenworth became a major influence
in the Mexican-American War by serving as an
induction center and base from which soldiers
deployed.
President James K. Polk needing troops,
ordered the recruitment of a battalion of
Mormon men in June 1846. Once the order was
received by Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearney at
Fort Leavenworth, he sent Capt. James Allen, a
regular Army officer serving in the 1st
Dragoons, to Iowa Territory to complete the
task. Allen, in cooperation with Brigham Young,
raised a battalion of more than 500 men in
Kanesville, present day Council Bluffs.
Departing Kanesville on July 20, they
marched the 180 miles along the east bank of the
Missouri River, arriving at Fort Leavenworth
Aug. 1, 1846, spending most of the day crossing
the river on the military ferry. During its
two-week stay, the battalion was bivouacked
near Thomas and Pope Avenues. The battalion
was outfitted with firearms and accoutrements,
and the means to carry and maintain them, but
was not issued uniforms. They were issued a
clothing allowance, which many used to
purchase clothing items and goods needed along
the trail.
For the most part the soldiers went to war in
civilian clothing. They were issued knapsacks,
haversacks, and canteens. Tents, cooking gear
and supplies were hauled in wagons.
Upon leaving the post in mid-August, 1846
the battalion headed southwest along the Santa
Fe Trail. After arriving in San Diego the battalion completed a 2,000-mile march, one of the
longest marches in U.S. Army history.
Some of the battalion’s accomplishments
were helping to open trails to the West, helping
Kearney stabilize post conflict California,
building Fort Moore in Los Angeles and providing support to local citizens in San Diego, or
what we today call civil affairs missions.

Visitors are welcome at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
We are located northwest of the greater Kansas City
metropolitan area, 15 miles north of Interstate 70
on Kansas Highway 7 / US 73.

The

Mormon Battalion
At

Fort Leavenworth

Please Note

All vehicles are subject to search when entering the
installation. All persons over 16 must have a photo ID
available. Additionally, all drivers must provide a valid
license, proof of insurance and registration.
There are several places to dine on post, to include:
• The EXchange food court (Anthony’s Pizza, Charley’s
Steakery, Church’s Chicken, Robin Hood, Taco Bell)
• Burger King, across the street from the EXchange
• Strike Zone Bowling Center (165 Fourth Street)
• Fairway Grille, Trails West Golf Club (306 Cody Road)
• 12th Brick Grille in the old United States Disciplinary
Barracks (310 McPherson Avenue)