Henry Leavenworth

Henry Leavenworth (December 10, 1783–July 21, 1834) was an American soldier active in the War of 1812 and early military expeditions against the Plains Indians. He established Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, and also gave his name to Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth County, Kansas, and the Leavenworth Penitentiary.

Early life and education

He was born at New Haven, Connecticut, a son of Col. Jesse and Eunice (Sperry) Leavenworth. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Danville, Vermont, where he was educated. He then read law with General Erastus Root of Delhi, New York; and upon being admitted to the bar formed a partnership with his preceptor which lasted until 1812.

Military career

He was appointed a captain in the 25th U. S. infantry. A few months later he was made major; was wounded at the Battle of Niagara on July 25, 1814, and the following November was brevetted colonel. He then served in the New York state legislature, and then he went to Prairie du Chien as Indian agent, and on February 10, 1818, was made lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth U. S. infantry. In 1820 he began constructing Fort St. Anthony from the "Cantonment New Hope" stockade. [ [http://www.dakotahistory.org/county/mendotaheights.asp Dakota County Historical Society] ]

In 1823, he led U.S. Army troops in the Arikara War, the first U.S. military expedition against a Great Plains Indian nation. While on duty in the West he built several military posts, one of which was Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, established May 8, 1827 as "Cantonment Leavenworth", now one of the leading military establishments of the country. In 1825 he was made brigadier-general by brevet, and in 1833 received the full rank of brigadier-general.

Marriages

He was married three times, first to Elizabeth Eunice Morrison, with whom he had two children, and divorced, then to Electa Knapp, who died within the year, then to Harriet Lovejoy, with whom he had another child.

Death

He died at Cross Timbers , in the Indian Territory, July 21 1834, of either sickness or an accident while buffalo-hunting,see Geo.Catlin's "Manners,Customs,and Condition of the North American Indians",Vol.2,letter#44...."and I am inclined to think,as I before mentioned,in consequence of the injury he sustained in a fall from his horse when running a buffalo calf." while leading an expedition against the Pawnee and Comanche. His regiment erected a monument at Cross Timbers; he was first buried in Delhi, New York and his remains were later reinterred at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

In addition to the fort, Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth County, Kansas, and the Leavenworth Penitentiary are named after him.

References

See also

* First Dragoon Expedition - Describes both time and place of General Leavenworth's death
* Fort Snelling, Minnesota - Supported surveying fur trading routes and watersheds earlier in his career

External links

* [http://usacac.leavenworth.army.mil/CAC/csi/museum_1stDragoons.asp 1st Dragoons] Living history