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. The city of Leavenworth, Kansas; Leavenworth County, Kansas; and the Leavenworth Penitentiary are named after him.

Overview

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. The city of Leavenworth, Kansas; Leavenworth County, Kansas; and the Leavenworth Penitentiary are named after him. Early life and education He was born at New Haven, Connecticut, a son of Col. Jesse and Catharine (Conklin) Leavenworth. Soon after his birth, his parents became alienated, and his father moved with the children 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, he formed a partnership with his preceptor that lasted until 1812. Military career War of 1812 Leavenworth was commissioned as a captain in the 25th U. S. Infantry in April 1812, shortly before the outbreak of the War of 1812. In August 1813 he was promoted to major of the 9th Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Niagara on July 25, 1814, and the following November, he was brevetted to the rank of colonel.

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