It was here that the struggle for freedom began in the Kansas Territory when the first territorial legislature convened in July 1855. 

As the struggle to determine if Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state raged across the newly formed territory, it was at the 1st Territorial Capitol that the fight for freedom for all persons in the Kansas territory began. Some would say the 1st Territorial Capitol is really where the Civil War began. Located on Fort Riley, the capitol was originally built in the town of Pawnee.

The First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site is open from April 4 - October 31,2020  10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturdays, and 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sundays.

Visitors without a DOD ID card who wish to enter Fort Riley are reminded that a temporary Fort Riley Access Pass or Badge is required. Cell-Phone usage is not permitted while driving a vehicle on Fort Riley.

Fort Riley Access Information