Leavenworth, << LEHV uhn wurth >> (pop. 37,351), is the oldest city in Kansas. It was founded in 1854. The city lies in the northeastern corner of the state on the Missouri River.
Leavenworth’s products include fabricated metal, greeting cards, industrial heaters, industrial processing machinery, and snowplow equipment. The University of St. Mary and a hospital operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are in Leavenworth. Leavenworth Prison, a federal penitentiary, lies north of the city (see Leavenworth Prison). Fort Leavenworth, founded in 1827, stands near the prison. For many years, the fort was the most important army post on the western frontier. It now serves as headquarters for the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center, which includes the Command and General Staff College.
Leavenworth is the county seat of Leavenworth County. The city has a commission-manager form of government.
