Fort Larned was established in 1859 to offer protection to travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from hostile indians. Operation of the Fort ceased in 1878, after travel along the trail was greatly reduced due to the transcontinental railroad and the reduction of indian attacks.

Nearby the Fort, we drove to where the Santa Fe Trail crossed part of Kansas and where you can still see ruts in the ground. We were told by rangers at the Fort, that from the air, it’s easier to see the length and detail of the trail remains. Definitely something neat for this19th century history buff to see up close and personal!