Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned: This is why we're here, the very reason we are enduring a half-finished house, selling our real house at a slight loss, and cutting all ties with big cities.  We visited the site on Thursday and, although it's no Glacier National Park, it's interesting and for those willing to trudge this far out of your way to see it, it's free!

This Fort was an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail, one of the first major commercial routes across the United States (and Northern Mexico at the time) during the 1800's.  The National Park Service has restored the major buildings and recreated them to look like they did in their heyday.  The site is small and based completely on history (we're still learning about all of the different groups and events that took place here), although there is a short nature trail you can take along the Pawnee branch of the Arkansas River. 

 Entire Fort - Cemetery View

Privates' sleeping quarters are anything but private (four guys to a bunk).  Dare I speculate on the origins of our country's current "gays in the military" debate?!

 For living history events, one of Nathan's jobs could be to work in the blacksmith shop!  He's hoping for more time with the canons, though.

The equivalent to IBM's Cafe Corner

You'll hear more about Fort Larned soon, I'm sure.  There's a big living history event Memorial Day weekend, if anyone is interested in seeing the Fort at its liveliest!