Fort Leavenworth, KS

Once again, my employment takes me somewhere I've never been before. Fort Leavenworth is one of the oldest installations I've ever been at and it caught my attention from the first trip through. Although not active today, the former US Disciplinary Barracks now house where I am spending my time (so when I get back home, I can say I did time on the other side of the prison wall). It's a daunting structure and as I pulled in that first day, I even texted a friend that "My class is in Shawshank" but the historical significance that is still present in the former prison is impressive. They have successfully taken a former use for a building, kept its rich history intact, but still completely useful for todays purpose. I had the pleasure of walking through the museum on post the other day. As I walked through, there were prompts to call and enter a number to hear a brief history. It created the illusion of having a tour guide without having one right there with you. The history of early Leavenworth takes about fifteen minutes to get through. This first exhibit provides a great 30,000ft view of Fort Leavenworth, General Leavenworth, and early struggles in its founding. Around the corner there is a mini exhibit about the Army General Officer School which leads to a small display about the National Museum on the Fort. I would have been much more satisfied with the museum if they would have extended these two parts. However, I understand not everyone is as obsessed with schools and education as I am, but the cemetery is so unique I'm surprised it was one small display. This being said, there was a large Lewis and Clark exhibit that took up a large portion of the gallery space. It was detailed, modern, and relevant and I wish I had more time to go through in more detail. At the end of Lewis and Clark was a history of the very unique groups that have called this fort their home. It was well done and well organized, but there was so much big stuff there is just over beared on my experience. The times for the museum aren't the greatest, especially if you are there for work. By the time I got out most days the museum was long closed, but if I can go into detail at one small part per time, I will likely get much more information in. The staff did organize a good driving tour that I will try to do on a warmer day. These pamphlets are readily available all over the fort.