Lot
100 
(Missouri) Fort Leavenworth, 29 June, manuscript postmark showing the postmaster started with "C" for Cantonment before changing to "Fort", on 1832 folded letter to St. Louis, Mo., with "Paid 18¾" rate; some splitting along fold at top edge, still Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE EARLIEST OF ONLY THREE RECORDED "FORT LEAVENWORTH" POSTMARK USAGES IN PRIVATE HANDS PRIOR TO THE POST OFFICE NAME CHANGE IN 1839.
Cantonment Leavenworth, which was located alongside of the Mississippi River, was established in 1827. It would become and eastern terminus for the Oregon Trail as well as the Santa Fe Trail. This was the first of the great western forts as it contained the westernmost post office.
Cantonment Leavenworth was redesignated "Fort Leavenworth" on February 8th 1832 by War Department General Order No. 11; however, the Post Office Department continued the use of the word "Cantonment" until 1839. Consequently, the postmaster was technically required to continue the use of the word "Cantonment" until the POD rule was changed. The cover here and two others in 1835 carried to Washington under the free frank of the Iowa Territorial delegate to Congress are the few exception in the time period.
Realized: $750