The fort was established in 1853 as a military post to protect the movement of people and trade over the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. The post was a base for skirmishes with Native Americans after the Civil War ended in 1865, during which time George Custer was stationed at the fort. Today, Fort Riley, “Home of the Big Red One” (1st Infantry Division), is known for its excellent training, abundant recreational opportunities, rich history, and tremendous relations with surrounding communities.

Manhattan is the site of Kansas State University sporting events, Aggieville, performing arts, lecture series and the annual Country Stampede Music Festival – the largest music festival in Kansas. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art and the Kansas State University Gardens are on the campus of Kansas State University.

The Wichita Business Journal recently reported that “Salina is Kansas’ retirement hub”, the state’s top destination for retirees. In 2009, Salina was selected by Business Week as the “best place in Kansas to raise kids.” Neither of these designations are a surprise to those familiar with this community. Salina is a place that honors its duty to provide the highest quality of municipal services to its citizens.

As a placename, Topeka was first recorded in 1826 as the Kansa name for what is now called the Kansas River. Topeka’s founders chose the name in 1855 because it “was novel, of Indian origin and euphonious of sound.” The city, laid out in 1854, was one of the Free-State towns founded by eastern anti-slavery men immediately after the passage of the Kansas–Nebraska bill.

Milford Lake is the largest man-made lake in Kansas with 15,700 acres of water. Over 33,000 acres of land resources are managed for quality recreational experiences as well as for protection of the project’s natural and cultural resources. Approximately 70% of the land resources are available for public hunting.

Kansas is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansa Native American tribe which inhabited the area. The tribe’s name is often said to mean “people of the wind” or “people of the south wind”, although this was probably not the term’s original meaning. Residents of Kansas are called “Kansans.”

Milford State Park is a popular destination for anglers eager to experience the excellent fishing available in Milford Reservoir. white bass, crappie, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish are plentiful in a variety of locations, and smallmouth bass frequent the face of the dam, as well as rocky points in the lower half of the lake.

Pawnee is a ghost town in Geary County, Kansas which served as the first official capital of the Kansas Territory in 1855. Pawnee was the territorial capital for exactly five days – from July 2 to July 6, 1855 – before pro-slavery legislators voted to move the capital to Shawnee Mission, which is located in present-day Fairway. It is believed to be one of the shortest-lived capitals of any U.S. state or territory.

The U.S. Cavalry Museum is a museum located on Fort Riley in Fort Riley, Kansas. The Museum Division is responsible for exhibiting and interpreting the history of Fort Riley from its establishment to the present, to include its various schools, major commands, and community life. It is also responsible for supporting post education, training, research, and historical programs. The museum also provides educational programs and services.

Constructed in 1855 of native limestone, the Custer House is a historic house museum located on Fort Riley in Kansas. It reflects Fort Riley’s earliest history and authentically depicts military home life on the western frontier during the Indian Wars period.

The Opera House is a vibrant and productive cultural landmark, home to all of Junction City and Geary County’s arts agencies. The Opera House has hosted music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, magic, acrobats, comedy, classic and independent films, and children’s programming.

This official PBA (Professional Bowling Association) center features bowling, pool, darts, and television for your enjoyment. From hosting birthday parties to a fine selection of craft beers, Junction City Bowl offers fun for all ages.