Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth Relocation Information
Welcome to Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth has been in operation for over 170 years. It is the oldest active U.S. Army post west of the Mississippi River. Fort Leavenworth is historically known as the "Intellectual Center of the Army," and it's home to the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. The Command and General Staff College (CGSC) educates, trains, and develops leaders for Unified Land Operations in a Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational operational environment. Fort Leavenworth also accommodates the Department of Defense's United States Disciplinary Barracks, a federal penitentiary.
Similar to neighboring military installations in the area, Fort Leavenworth is tied to the American westward expansion during the 1800s. Fort Leavenworth was primarily established as a depot to protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail and to maintain peace between settlers and Native Americans. General Henry Leavenworth, a veteran of the War of 1812, is credited with establishing the fort in 1827. Fort Leavenworth contributed to the Civil War efforts while preparing to defend against Confederate forces. After the war ended in 1866, four African-American regiments were formed under the 10th Cavalry. Colonel Benjamin Grierso commanded the group that is better known today as the Buffalo Soldiers.
The first iteration of the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) was erected in 1875, and it housed inmates until 2002, when a new compound was built.
Today’s infantrymen and women have a lineage that began at Fort Leavenworth through General William T. Sherman in 1881, when he created the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry. Graduates include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar N. Bradley, and George S. Patton. In 1946, the program’s name was changed to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the tradition of command education continues today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Leavenworth
1) Is Fort Leavenworth in Kansas or Missouri?
Fort Leavenworth is located in the state of Kansas on the Missouri River.
2) How far is Fort Leavenworth from Kansas City, Missouri?
There are 34 miles between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, which is about a 45-minute to an hour drive.
3) Can you visit Fort Leavenworth?
Fort Leavenworth is a historical landmark. Visitors can view the national cemetery, museum, and many historic sites. Connect with the Fort Leavenworth Visitor Information page for more details.
4) What is the zip code for Fort Leavenworth?
The zip code for Fort Leavenworth is 66027.
5) What is the BAH for Fort Leavenworth?
BAH for Fort Leavenworth ranges from $1,740 for E-1 to $2,427 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,860 for O-1 to $2,610 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
6) Does Fort Leavenworth still house prisoners?
The United States Disciplinary Barracks on Fort Leavenworth is a U.S. federal penitentiary managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It houses approximately 1,600 prisoners. Some of the more infamous inmates have included "Machine Gun Kelly," Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo, Tom Pendergast, Carl Panzram, George Moran, John Franzese, Robert Stroud, the "Bird Man of Alcatraz", James Earl Ray, James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger Jr., and Michael Vick.
Base Location and Information
Official Site: Fort Leavenworth
Base Address:
615 McClellan Ave
Fort Leavenworth, 66027-2303
Fort Leavenworth officials and legions of fans boast that it is “The Best Hometown in the Army.” The scenic location and historic significance of Fort Leavenworth provide plenty of downtime recreation for the students and their families, who typically only stay on for a 12-month cycle.
Fort Leavenworth has impressive views of the Missouri River, and it sits on the border between Kansas and Missouri. The surrounding towns, especially Leavenworth, are military-friendly, and there’s a strong camaraderie between the residents and the military families who cycle through the school. Other nearby towns include Lansing, Shawnee and Basehor, Kansas, and Weston and Platte City, Missouri. Although many families live on base due to the short nature of the tour, all are happy with the area's affordability.
The base features historical sites, including the prestigious Buffalo Soldier monument and an esteemed museum with exhibits. Families also take advantage of an abundance of outdoor activities on base, including walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Golf enthusiasts are pleased with the easily accessible 18-hole golf course.
About 20 minutes from Fort Leavenworth is a retail hub named Zona Rosa. It is an outlet mall that offers shopping and space for gatherings, restaurants, and various entertainment like street fairs and farmers' markets.
Kansas City, Missouri, is about a 45-minute drive, and it's the destination military families and single service members prefer for larger city amenities. These include expanded shopping in the Country Club Plaza, dining and nightlife in Westport, and professional sporting teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.
Military Installations Near Fort Leavenworth
Arrival Lodging
Fort Leavenworth offers on-base lodging through IHG Army Hotels. To make reservations, visit the IHG Army Hotel site or call 1-877-711-TEAM.
Fort Leavenworth Housing
Frontier Heritage Communities
220 Hancock Ave.
Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
913 682-6300
The Housing Services Office (HSO)
Resiliency Center
600 Thomas Avenue,
Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
913 684-3052 / 5673
Frontier Heritage Communities operates the on-base housing on Fort Leavenworth. Single-family and duplex-style homes with three-, four-, and five-bedrooms are available. Historic homes with original hardwood floors are options, as are modern homes with fenced yards and garage space. Frontier homes are pet-friendly, and the community offers a fitness center, parks, and a bowling alley.
Fort Leavenworth Off-Base Housing
Stock photo via Canva
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Fort Leavenworth
Small town vibes and friendly neighbors are two of the top qualities military families find in Leavenworth and Lansing. Both communities enjoy and actively support strong public schools. Leavenworth’s downtown offers quaint shopping and picturesque views from the riverwalk. The town's perimeter is surrounded by large stretches of rolling wheat and sunflower fields.
Like Leavenworth, Lansing provides a quiet life with time to relax and enjoy a slower pace. Popular with retired military members, Lansing also has charming dining and shopping, but it offers a quick route to expanded amenities options approaching Kansas City.
If Leavenworth and Lansing sound a bit sleepy, keep in mind that Kansas City is about a 45-minute drive away. Younger service members often consider the newer collection of apartments near Zona Rosa on the way to Kansas City because they offer more dining and entertainment options to explore after work and on the weekends.
Base Search
City Search
Fort Leavenworth BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Leavenworth is near Kansas City, MO. Some sample Fort Leavenworth BAH rates for zip code 66027:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,740
- E-1 without dependents: $1,410
- E-9 with dependents: $2,427
- E-9 without dependents: $1,971
- O-1 with dependents: $1,860
- O-1 without dependents: $1,659
- O-6 with dependents: $2,610
- O-6 without dependents: $2,376
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Fort Leavenworth Weather & Climate
Image from army.mil
Fort Leavenworth experiences a variety of weather phenomena over the year. Summers are hot, muggy, and rainy. The winters are cold and windy, but they collect less than 20 inches of snow. Temperatures typically stay between 22 and 89 degrees. The best time of year to get out and enjoy the scenery and warm weather activities is from late May to late September. Cold-weather sports are best served from November through February.
Fort Leavenworth Area Schools
Families who live on Fort Leavenworth and desire a public school education attend the Fort Leavenworth Unified School District 207. This district educates kids K-Grade 9 in three elementary and one junior high school on base, while students in grades 10-12 head to Leavenworth High School in Leavenworth (USD 453).
Off-base families typically attend the schools assigned to their address, with occasional exceptions. Some families choose to live in Missouri to attend public schools. The following are frequently attended school districts near Fort Leavenworth. To help with your public school decision, check out the Kansas School Report Cards and the Missouri School Report Cards.
Missouri School Districts
Leavenworth Area Private Schools
Kansas homeschooling laws are detailed in the Kansas State Department of Education. Missouri does not regulate homeschooling activities, but it offers guidance from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The school liaison officer offers a current list of local homeschool resources, groups, and points of contact.
Support for Military and Families
Fort Leavenworth offers several opportunities for military families to take advantage of resources to further their education and increase their employment opportunities. Army Community Service is the hub of resources on base.
The Employment Readiness Program, Home-Based Business guidance, and the Employment Resource Center are often utilized.
Fort Leavenworth Education Center is the connection to on-base classrooms from the following colleges: Barton Community College, Upper Iowa University, Central Michigan University, Kansas State University, Webster University, and the University of Kansas
Some more helpful links:
Things to Do Near Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth. Known for its rich history and scenic surroundings, Fort Leavenworth is a great place to explore a mix of historical and outdoor attractions. Whether you’re visiting on assignment, cheering for a weekend getaway, or simply curious about the area, these activities will keep you entertained:
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Frontier Army Museum: Dive into the rich military history preserved at the Frontier Army Museum, which features artifacts dating back to the early days of the U.S. Army, located right on Fort Leavenworth.
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Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park: Pay tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American military regiments formed after the Civil War, at this commemorative monument that reflects their contributions to American history.
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Leavenworth Landing Park: Enjoy some time outdoors along the picturesque Missouri River at Leavenworth Landing Park, which offers picnic spots and scenic trails.
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C.W. Parker Carousel Museum: Step back in time and enjoy the whimsy of antique carousels at this unique museum dedicated to carousel history.
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Weston, Missouri: Just a short drive away, Weston offers charming shops, wineries, and historical spots waiting to be explored.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
615 McClellan Ave
Fort Leavenworth
,
66027-2303