Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Sully
During the Civil War, Fort Leavenworth functioned as an arsenal, a supply base, and a training and organizational camp for volunteer troops. A series of defensive earthworks was constructed on a hill overlooking the National Cemetery. The position was fortified with these two 24 pound seige and garrison guns mounted within the works as the fort's primary armament along with field gun emplacements and rifle pits. Although technically a battery, the entire complex was named Fort Sully after Brigadier General Alfred Sully who had been stationed at Fort Leavenworth at the outbreak of the war. Two more gun positions were constructed just South and West of the main parade and post hospital. All these positions were abandoned at the end of the Civil War.
M1819 24 Pounder Siege and Garrison Guns
These 2 gun tubes were emplaced at Fort Sully. They along with many other similar tubes had been in storage at the Fort Leavenworth Arsenal since its opening in 1859. The gun on the right was produced by McClurg, Wade & Co., Fort Pitt Foundry Pittsburg, PA in 1838. The gun on the left was manufactured by the West Point Foundry in 1826.
Erected by Fort Leavenworth.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 39° 20.961′ N, 94° 54.893′ W. Marker is in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in Leavenworth County. Marker is on Reynolds Avenue east of Gibbons Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Marker and guns are at the entrance to the Frontier Army Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Reynolds Avenue, Fort Leavenworth KS 66027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Leavenworth (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General James Franklin Bell (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sherman Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); French Aid During American Revolution (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Former Burial Ground (approx. 0.2 miles away); 555th Parachute Infantry Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Roscoe Robinson Jr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Colin L. Powell (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Leavenworth.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Leavenworth. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Frontier Army Museum, Fort Leavenworth. U.S. Army Center of Military History website entry (Submitted on February 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Historic Leavenworth. City website entry (Submitted on February 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 704 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.