Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail

Fort Larned was an army post on the Santa Fe Trail in operation from 1859 to 1878. In those 19 years the fort's soldiers, known as the "Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail," played a key role in securing the Santa Fe Trail, protecting the U.S. Mail, and engaging in military conflicts. Learn more about the military history of the fort from Park Ranger Celeste Dixon.