Fort Harker, located in Kanopolis, Kansas, was an active military installation of the United States Army from November 17, 1866, to October 5, 1872.

The fortification was named after General Charles Garrison Harker, who was killed in action at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in the American Civil War.

Soldiers at the fort patrolled the overland trails to protect wagon trains from any resistance from the Native American tribes in the area.

The fort also served an important role in distributing supplies to other United States Army outposts further west.

Based on the number of civilian contractors on the fort's payroll, major construction of the facility was likely completed by the summer of 1867.

The Union Pacific Eastern Division completed a line to Fort Harker in July 1867.

[1] In the summer of 1867, an Asiatic cholera outbreak began amongst the soldiers of the four companies of the 38th Infantry stationed at the fort.

On August 25, 1869, Brevet Colonel Joseph G. Tilford was sent to Fort Harker, where he commanded two troops of General George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry.

Native Americans living in the area of the fort had been displaced by white settlers, and the scene of conflicts had shifted to the west.

Soldiers of the 5th Cavalry left Fort Harker on May 7, leaving behind a small garrison of two officers and five enlisted men from the 5th Infantry.