French Cannons:
The origin of these beautiful artifacts of bygone wars
were at one time a mystery at Fort Leavenworth. They were cast in the 1700s in
Paris; the name of the foundry, place and date of manufacture are on each
piece. There are
four on the post: two located near the Missouri River where a railroad
bridge crossed onto Fort Leavenworth; cast in1774 named "Venture" and
Voyager;" one in front of Sherman-Sheridan-Grant Halls, cast in
1762 named "Impetuous;" and one located in the triangle at the intersection
of Pope and Grant Avenues, cast in 1775 named "Impregnable."
Thought originally
to have been French aid to the United States during the American Revolution,
there was no explanation as to why they were located at a fort that did not
exist at that time. Later, it was discovered that hey had been
captured during the Spanish American War in Cuba, and given to Fort
Leavenworth in 1899.
During scrap metal
drives during the First and Second World Wars, they were hidden so that they
would be preserved for future generations.
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French cannon overlooking the Missouri River
One of the four French cannon captured in Cuba during the Spanish American War. |
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Headquarters area and Building 52
The headquarters of Combined Arms Center
is built from three halls named for Generals Sherman, Grant, and Sheridan.
Originally separate buildings, the halls were linked on the second
floors to create one building. Sherman and Sheridan Halls were built
in 1859 as part of a 120 acre arsenal located on this hill and
are on the site of the former soldier's burying ground. Those graves
were moved to the National Cemetery when the buildings were built.
These building formerly housed the Command and General Staff College
for nearly seventy years.
The Victorian home at Number 1 Scott was built in 1861 as the residence of
Captain J.L. Reno, commander of the arsenal. He was not related to the
Major Reno of Custer fame. This home is now the residence of the
commanding general of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth.
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Headquarters building, Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. This building was created by joining three seperate halls. |
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