Leavenworth (Kansas)

Leavenworth is a city in Eastern Kansas. Leavenworth, the "First City in Kansas", established in 1854, is located on the west banks of the Missouri River and became nationally known as the "jumping off point" for the opening of the West. Buffalo Bill Cody spent part of his youth here and later worked in the area as a Pony Express rider and Army scout. Cody's parents are buried in Leavenworth.

Leavenworth has numerous historic vintage homes, sites, depots, and, of course, the "Big House", the United States Federal Penitentiary. Leavenworth boasts numerous beautiful Victorian homes, such as the Carroll Mansion and several preserved depots that are available for touring.

• 🌍 Fort Leavenworth. Was established in 1827 and is the oldest fort in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. For the next several decades it played an important role in keeping the peace among the various Indian tribes and the increasing number of settlers heading west. By the 1840s, travel to Oregon and California had begun and thousands of wagons passed through Fort Leavenworth on the way to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Fort Leavenworth is well preserved with many historic sites. The Buffalo Soldier Monument is a magnificent tribute to the 9th and 10th Cavalry of Black Soldiers that were forgotten in history. (updated May 2020)

• 🌍 C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, 320 S Esplanade, ☏ +1 913 682-1331. (updated May 2020)

• Hyundai Korean Restaurant, 749 Shawnee Rd, ☏ +1 913-651-2622. Probably the most authentic ethnic food in town. Bibimbap, kimchee, and gimbap all taste like they were magically teleported from a street stall or hole-in-wall diner in Seoul. A small Asian grocery store is in the same building. 
• Homer's Drive In, 1320 South 4th St, ☏ +1 913-651-3500. A locally owned greasy spoon if you're craving a burger and milkshake that's not from McDonald's or Burger King.