Fort Harker

Fort Harker is a former military post in Kanopolis that operated as a supply center and now functions as a museum open to visitors. The site contains four surviving buildings constructed from local sandstone, including a guardhouse and officer quarters, which showcase the daily operations and living conditions of this frontier station.

The post was established in 1866 and served as a major supply distribution point west of the Missouri River during regional conflicts with Native American tribes. Its closure in 1873 marked the end of military operations and allowed the surrounding settlement to shift its focus elsewhere.

The fort's role as a supply hub shaped the growth of the nearby settlement, and visitors can see how military operations influenced commerce and daily life in this remote frontier region. The buildings themselves tell stories through their layout and construction, showing how soldiers organized their work and lived in isolated outposts.

The site is accessible for daytime visits, and the sandstone buildings are spread across the grounds, so comfortable footwear is helpful for exploring. Signage and museum materials help visitors understand the history and identify the different structures.

In 1867 the site was struck by a cholera epidemic that affected over 800 soldiers and civilians, resulting in approximately 50 deaths. This tragedy reveals the harsh and unpredictable dangers people faced at isolated military stations.

Location: Kanopolis

GPS coordinates: 38.70972,-98.15694

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10