Fort Riley, Riley, Riley County, KS

Significance: Fort Riley was established in the 1850's to protect settlers and traders traveling along the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. It was laid out in a traditional cavalry post plan with limestone officer's quarters and barracks situated around a rectangular parade ground. This configuration remained for thirty years when it was decided to use the post for separate schools for cavalry and artillery troops. The post underwent a dramatic change at this time when a new plan featuring two separate but adjoining posts, was superimposed over the 1850's plan. The new plan symbolized the fundamental change that occurred at Western posts after the Civil War - the transformation from small, temporary frontier posts to large, permanent posts. A plan such as that of Fort Riley provided comfortable accommodations and amenities for the soldiers and their families, similar to those enjoyed by civilians in comparable situations. This plan also represents an early instance of multi-disciplinary planning, coordinated by a single hand. Engineering, architecture and landscape design all influenced the finished layout and three dimensional character of the post. The 1880's plan continues to dominate the appearance of Fort Riley.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-2
Survey number: HABS KS-54
Building/structure dates: ca. 1852- ca. 1855 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: ca. 1885- ca. 1891 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: ca. 1926- ca. 1931 Subsequent Work