Approximately 7 miles ahead is the southern edge of Fort Riley, established as a military post in 1853. Horace Greeley, noted editor of the New York Tribune, visited the fort in 1859. Of Fort Riley he said, "I hear that two millions of Uncle Sam's money have been expended in making these snug arrangements, and that the oats largely here have often cost three dollars per bushel!"
The Seventh U.S. Cavalry, which played a significant role in the campaigns against Plains Indians, organized at Fort Riley in 1866 with George A. Custer second in command. Fort Riley remained a cavalry post through World War II, after which it became an infantry training facility.
At the southeast corner of the fort just north of I-70 is Marshall Army Airfield. Dating to as early as 1912, it is one of the army'a oldest airports.
Junction City, approximately four miles beyond, was incorporated in 1859 and is named for its location at the junction of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers. The Junction City Downtown Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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