About Fort Riley and the Museums
The history of Fort Riley began in 1852 when a site for the new military post was selected on the Kansas River 130 miles west of Kansas City. The location was intended to provide security for a growing stream of immigrants and commercial travelers who were moving west on the overland trails to Oregon and Santa Fe. Early in 1853 soldiers began arriving to build and garrison the fort named for Bennet C. Riley, a Mexican War hero. Using native limestone for much of the construction, the first buildings soon took shape and a series of soldiers who once called Fort Riley home later found themselves engaged on Civil War battlefields.
With the conclusion of the Civil War troops stationed at Fort Riley played an important role during the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The post also hosted the Cavalry and Light Artillery School and the Mounted Service School, later renamed the Cavalry Tactics and Training School. Fort Riley has served as a major training center during all of America’s 20th Century wars, and of course the 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One, calls Fort Riley home.
The histories of both the United States Army’s Cavalry and the United States Army’s famous 1st Infantry Division are proudly displayed in the two military museums located on Fort Riley. Currently undergoing major renovations, the museums are housed in historic limestone buildings that were constructed in 1855 and 1905 respectively. The collections of uniforms, weapons, art work, and other artifacts are world class and their professional presentation in an interactive and authentic frontier environment brings history home for every visitor. An extensive outdoor display of tanks and other tactical vehicles rounds out the collection. A visit to the museum gift shop and an opportunity to join The Friends of the Fort Riley Museums provides a positive and constructive way for everyone to commemorate their visit to these exceptional museums. Visitors might also consider making a contribution to support museum programs not funded by the Army.