Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Riley is a U.S. Army post located on the north bank of the Kansas River, about three miles north of Junction City. It was established in 1853 to protect the travelers and settlers along the Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trails. The fort was named after Major General Bennett C. Riley, who had led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail and had died earlier that year.

Fort Riley has seen its share of wars, conflicts, and tragedies over the years. It has also been home to many famous figures, such as George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and the Buffalo Soldiers. With such a rich and turbulent history, it is no wonder that Fort Riley is considered one of the most haunted places in Kansas, and one of the most haunted forts in the military.

Some of the most haunted locations on Fort Riley include:

- The Custer House: This historic building was constructed in 1855 as the quarters for the commanding officer of Fort Riley. It was later occupied by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his wife Elizabeth in 1866 and 1867. The Custer House is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a woman in a blue dress who is believed to be Elizabeth Custer, a young boy who died of cholera in one of the rooms, and a soldier who hanged himself in the attic. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, voices, laughter, and crying, as well as seeing apparitions, shadows, and orbs.

- The Triangle House: This building was also built in 1855 as part of the original fort. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War and later as a prison for Confederate soldiers. The Triangle House is said to be haunted by the restless souls of those who suffered and died there. Visitors have reported hearing moans, groans, screams, and chains rattling, as well as feeling cold spots, touches, and pushes.

- The Main Post Cemetery: This cemetery dates back to 1855 and contains over 5,000 graves of soldiers, spouses, children, and civilians who died at Fort Riley or nearby. Some of the notable burials include General Richard W. Johnson, who fought in the Civil War and Indian Wars; Captain Myles Keogh, who died with Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn; and Chief White Eagle, a Pawnee chief who served as a scout for Fort Riley. The cemetery is said to be haunted by various spirits who wander among the tombstones or manifest as lights or mists.

- The Artillery Parade Field: This field was used for training and drills by the cavalry and light artillery units stationed at Fort Riley from 1893 to 1943. It was also the site of several accidents and deaths involving horses and cannons. The field is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers and horses who still perform their drills or run across the field. Visitors have reported hearing hoofbeats, gunshots, bugle calls, and commands, as well as seeing phantom riders and horses.

If you are interested in experiencing these hauntings for yourself, you can join one of the ghost tours offered by the Historical and Archeological Society of Fort Riley (HASFR). These tours are usually held in October around Halloween and require advance reservations. You can also visit some of the historic buildings on Fort Riley during regular hours or special events.

Fort Riley is not only a place of military history and pride but also a place of mystery and intrigue. Whether you are a history buff or a thrill seeker, you will find something to fascinate you at this haunted fort.