Mount Oread Civil War posts

Mount Oread Civil War posts were military fortifications built on a hill rising about 1,037 feet above sea level in Lawrence. The installations included defensive structures positioned to command views across the surrounding valleys and monitor approaches to the town.

Union soldiers established fortifications on Mount Oread in response to Confederate threats to Lawrence. The installations were built and expanded during the final years of the Civil War to secure the town.

Local citizens actively participated in constructing Fort Ulysses during 1864, demonstrating the community's commitment to defending their town.

The elevated location offers wide sight lines in all directions, making it easy to understand the military strategy of that era. The site is accessible on foot and allows visitors to explore the terrain and appreciate its tactical importance firsthand.

Limestone quarried from the hill during fortification was later used as building material for the first University of Kansas structures. This connection shows how the wartime installation shaped the campus development.

Location: Kansas

GPS coordinates: 38.96310,-95.25720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03