Sentinel of the Plains - Fort Leavenworth and the American West by George Walton
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has played a vital role in the maturing processes of both the United States Army and the United States. Lewis and Clark, whose expedition introduced the Louisiana Purchase to the American people, were the initial instruments of that spirit of “Manifest Destiny” which eventuated in the establishment of Fort Leavenworth, a post that was to play an instrumental role in the “settling” of the West and in every American war fought after 1827. The fort, built by Colonel Leavenworth between Missouri and Little Platte Rivers, was, from its inception, located in a storm center of American history. The area known as Kansas adapted violently to civilization’s cultivating hoe. Indians, the original landowners, through unhonored treaties and brute force, were systematically pushed off their land; Brigham Young and his “fanatical” brethren tried unsuccessfully to sink roots there; ferocious fighting between slave owners and abolitionists gave currency to the term “Bleeding Kansas”; during the Civil War Kansas was the scene of the savage battle known as the “Gettysburg of the West.” After the Union’s victory and the eventual pacification of the area, the post became the first Army Tactical School in a pilot program that proved to be extremely successful: Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton were three of many Leavenworth graduates who distinguished themselves in World War II. The Fort and Kansas have experienced numerous transitions, but the importance of Leavenworth in America’s defense is still vital today.
This hardcover book is in good condition with moderate imperfections to the dust jacket. Pages are in good condition. Library markings in book.
ISBN 10: 0138067295 / ISBN 13: 9780138067298
Publisher: Prentice-Hall
Published: 1973
