Main Post in Fort Riley in Geary County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Cholera Epidemic of 1855

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, June 30, 2010

1. Cholera Epidemic of 1855 Marker

Inscription. In this area rest the remains of approximately 100 soldiers, civilian workers, and their dependents who perished at Fort Riley, Kansas Territory, during the cholera epidemic in the summer of 1855. These soldiers and civilian workers were engaged in the initial construction of the buildings for the new post. Wooden crosses that originally marked their graves were destroyed by a prairie fire allegedly started by the Indians. The exact location of their graves remains unknown.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts and Castles • Notable Events • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 39° 3.811′ N, 96° 47.656′ W. Marker is in Fort Riley, Kansas, in Geary County. It is in Main Post. Marker can be reached from Huebner Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located in the Fort Riley Post Cemetery and can be reached from the entrance near the Ogden Monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Riley KS 66442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate POWs (within shouting distance of this marker); Ogden Monument (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vanguard of Freedom (about 600 feet away); West Riding Hall / Polk Hall

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Wounded Knee and Drexel Mission (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mose Waters' General Store (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Memory of the Gallant Dead of the Second U.S. Cavalry (approx. half a mile away); To the United States Cavalry (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Riley.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, June 30, 2010

2. Cholera Epidemic of 1855 Marker

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, June 30, 2010

3. Cholera Epidemic of 1855 Marker

Map showing the location of the marker in Section C of the cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,530 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2014, by Scott Nebeker of Salt Lake City, Utah. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 7, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.