Fort Leavenworth, KS Mormon Battalion Brochure 2015 | Page 2

1. Frontier Army Museum
100 Reynolds Avenue
The museum preserves and interprets artifacts that tell
the history of the Frontier Army 1804-1916 and Fort
Leavenworth from 1827 to present. For current days
and hours of operation, call [phone]. Closed
Federal holidays.
2. The Sutler’s House
611 Scott Avenue
During the battalion’s stay on post, Hiram Rich served
as the post sutler and built this home. The original
cabin was simply expanded as the sutler’s business
improved. Rich was a contractor who sold items
soldiers were not issued, such as civilian clothing,
paper and pocketknives. One Mormon Battalion
member’s journal mentioned buying peach ice cream
for five cents a bowl here.
3. Memorial Chapel (location of Sutler’s Store)
Intersection of Scott and Grant
The location of the Memorial Chapel, built in 1876,
was where the Sutler’s Store operated during the
Mexican-American War. Several journals also record
this is where they purchased clothing and goods.
Picnicking is available across the street at Zais Park.
4. The Landing
Riverside Avenue
The Mormon Battalion was ferried across the Missouri River near this point on Aug. 1, 1846. The Fort
Leavenworth Landing was one of the starting points
for the Oregon, Santa Fe and California Trails in
Kansas; large stone markers at the top and bottom of
the hill describe these trails. John Taylor, Orson Hyde,
Parley P. Pratt and other church leaders landed here in
a dugout canoe to visit the battalion.
5. Santa Fe Trail
Riverside Avenue
The battalion departed Fort Leavenworth in mid
August as part of Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearney’s
Army of the West and marched southwest along the
Santa Fe Trail. The route headed south-southwest
toward Lawrence, Kan., following closely the present
day Grant Avenue on Fort Leavenworth out the front
gate of the installation, then to Broadway Avenue,
Maple Avenue, Shrine Park Road, and Desoto Road.
6. Mormon Battalion Plaque
Kearney Avenue and Sumner Place
The Mormon Battalion Plaque at the intersection of
Kearney Avenue and Sumner Place, adjacent to the
parade field, discusses the unit’s stay on post. The
plaque was dedicated by Elder David B. Haight from
the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Sept. 18, 1981.

The Mormon Battalion
A Self-guided Tour

7. Main Parade
Kearney Avenue
Over the years Main Parade has played an important
role in shaping the future for today’s Army. Henry
Leavenworth, the founder of the post, constructed
buildings here in 1828.
8. The Rookery (circa 1834)
12-14 Sumner Place
Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearney lived in this home and
was the post commander from 1836-1841. During the
Mexican-American War he served as the commanding
general of the Army of the West. The Rookery is the
oldest home in Kansas.
9. Number 20-22 Sumner Place
Built in 1839 as the post commander’s home. It is the
oldest standing brick home in the state of Kansas.
10. Building 466
Corner of McPherson and Scott Avenue
Constructed about 1840, and within the walls of the
old military prison, this building was part of the
Quartermaster Depot. The Mormon Battalion would
have drawn some of their equipment from this area.
11. West-End Parade Field
Thomas and Kearney Avenue
This is the location of the battalion’s bivouac area,
where more than 500 men, women and children lived
during their stay at the post. West-End has traditionally served as the cantonment area for volunteers and
not regulars. This is the site of the Fort Leavenworth
Chapel Complex. See Wayside Marker 11 at the
intersection of Kearney and Thomas as it mentions the
battalion’s stay here.
12. Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery
Along Hancock Avenue
In 1862, Congress passed legislation creating the
National Cemetery system; Fort Leavenworth was
among the first 14 of those cemeteries designated by
President Abraham Lincoln. James Allen, the first
commander of the Mormon Battalion is buried in
Section A, Plot 189, and is the oldest known military
burial here (1846). He was first buried in the Officer
Burial Ground where Wagner Hall stands on Augur
Avenue.

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