National Register Listing

Old Union Depot

201 S. Main St., Leavenworth, KS
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce transportation architecture
The town of Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed by an EF5 tornado in 2007, and has since rebuilt as a model "green town" using eco-friendly technologies and materials.
Kansas random facts
Leavenworth County, Kansas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to its early settlement in the mid-1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Kickapoo and Delaware tribes. In 1827, Fort Leavenworth was established by the United States Army, serving as an important outpost for the growing Western frontier.

The arrival of white settlers in the 1850s brought significant changes to the region. In 1854, Leavenworth City was founded, and it quickly became a bustling center of trade and commerce. The city was an important stop along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, playing a crucial role in westward expansion. Leavenworth thrived as a transportation hub, with steamboats navigating the Missouri River and the development of railroads in the area.

During the Civil War, Leavenworth County was deeply divided, reflecting the broader conflicts of the nation. The county's strategic location made it a contested area, and the town of Leavenworth became an important military supply base for Union forces. The region was also a hotbed of political activity, with pro-slavery and abolitionist factions clashing over their conflicting ideologies.

In the decades following the war, Leavenworth County continued to evolve and grow. Agriculture became a leading industry, with wheat and corn being major crops. The county also played a role in the development of industry, particularly in the manufacturing of cement and bricks. Today, Leavenworth County is known for its diverse economy and its historical significance. Visitors can explore the area's rich heritage through museums, historic sites, and events that celebrate the county's unique past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Leavenworth County, Kansas.

  • 1855: Leavenworth County is established as one of the original 33 counties of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1858: The city of Leavenworth is officially incorporated.
  • 1863: Leavenworth becomes an important military post during the Civil War.
  • 1866: The first railroad reaches Leavenworth, enhancing the city's transportation and trade.
  • 1882: A devastating flood hits Leavenworth, causing significant damage to the city.
  • 1898: The Carnegie Library, the city's first public library, opens its doors.
  • 1918: Fort Leavenworth becomes the headquarters of the United States Army Combined Arms Center.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic struggles to Leavenworth County.
  • 1974: The historic downtown district of Leavenworth is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2004: The University of Saint Mary opens its campus in Leavenworth.