During the Civil War, Fort Leavenworth functioned as an arsenal, a supply base, and a training and organizational camp for volunteer troops. A series of defensive earthworks was constructed on a hill overlooking the National Cemetery. The position was fortified with these two 24 pound seige and garrison guns mounted within the works as the fort's primary armament along with field gun emplacements and rifle pits. Although technically a battery, the entire complex was named Fort Sully after Brigadier General Alfred Sully who had been stationed at Fort Leavenworth at the outbreak of the war. Two more gun positions were constructed just South and West of the main parade and post hospital. All these positions were abandoned at the end of the Civil War.

M1819 24 Pounder Siege and Garrison Guns
These 2 gun tubes were emplaced at Fort Sully. They along with many other similar tubes had been in storage at the Fort Leavenworth Arsenal since its opening in 1859. The gun on the right was produced by McClurg, Wade & Co., Fort Pitt Foundry Pittsburg, PA in 1838. The gun on the left was manufactured by the West Point Foundry in 1826.

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Show me all markers in:  Leavenworth, KS  |  Leavenworth County  |  66027  |  Kansas  |  United States of America

Fort Leavenworth
Major General James Franklin Bell
Sherman Hall
French Aid During American Revolution
Site of Former Burial Ground
555th Parachute Infantry Company
General Roscoe Robinson Jr.
General Colin L. Powell
2nd Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper
BG Benjamin H. Grierson

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