Where to find the Buffalo Soldier Monument near Fort Leavenworth (and why it matters)
Planning a stop near Fort Leavenworth? The Buffalo Soldier Monument sits within a small commemorative area meant for walking, not just driving past. Here's what to look for, the most reliable location details available, and how to confirm you're heading to the right spot.
The Buffalo Soldier Commemorative Area isn't just a single statue. It includes the Buffalo Soldier Monument, the Circle of Firsts, and the Walkway of Units - a cluster of commemorative elements grouped together. Don't expect one standalone marker.
Why it matters: The monument references the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry - two of the Buffalo Soldier units whose service is being explicitly recognized here.
Fort Leavenworth's visitor information places the Buffalo Soldier Commemorative Area on the east side of Grant Ave., near Smith Lake. If you're searching on a map, "east side of Grant Ave." is the phrase to match.
A Buffalo Soldier informational PDF describes the area slightly differently: south of the corner of Grant and Sedgwick Avenues, near Smith Lake. If you navigate better by intersections, "Grant and Sedgwick" gives you a concrete reference point.
Heads-up: These two descriptions use slightly different wording - one emphasizes the east side of Grant Ave., and the other emphasizes being south of Grant and Sedgwick - but both point you to the same general area near Smith Lake.
The Buffalo Soldier Monument at Fort Leavenworth was dedicated on July 25, 1992, by General Colin L. Powell, who was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time.
Eddie Dixon created the monument sculpture. The site specifically honors the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry - this isn't a vague general tribute, but recognition of particular Buffalo Soldier units.
Verify Before You Go
- ✓ Check Fort Leavenworth’s visitor page for the current location wording (“east side of Grant Ave. near Smith Lake”).
- ✓ Open the Buffalo Soldier informational PDF and compare its directions (“south of the corner of Grant and Sedgwick Avenues near Smith Lake”).
- ✓ If you want a real person to confirm directions, call the Leavenworth CVB at 913-758-2948 for visitor assistance.
- ✓ Use the “Smith Lake” reference as your common landmark when you’re matching either description to your map.
Note: The official descriptions don't use identical wording. Verify the exact spot on a map or by phone before you drive over, especially if you're working with a tight schedule.
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