Q: This northeast Kansas institution opened its doors 137 years ago this month – and is still in business. You can get a bed and three square meals a day here… but few people actually WANT to check-in. What’s the name of this place that began operations in May 1875?
A: The U.S. Military Prison or… the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth
The U.S. Military Prison, now known as the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, began operations at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., on May 15, 1875. And after 137 years, soldiers who get into trouble are still doing time here. The adjacent town of Leavenworth is home to a federal penitentiary and the nearby town of Lansing is home to a state prison. Tourism officials have tried to capitalize on the fact that so many correctional facilities are located in the Leavenworth and Lansing areas. They’ve even placed billboards that encourage visitors to “do some time” in Leavenworth. |