Leavenworth is a community of approximately 35,000 people located in the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas on the Missouri River. Leavenworth is on the outskirts of the Kansas City metropolitan area and is home to the Army's Fort Leavenworth, Saint Mary College, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Leavenworth has a small town, historic atmosphere with access to the amenities of a larger city. In addition to the large federal presence and large private employers such as Hallmark Cards, the Leavenworth community is home to many smaller, family-owned businesses. Downtown Leavenworth still contains many of the buildings that were present in the early 1900's and vintage homes are scattered throughout the community.

Leavenworth became the first city in Kansas when it was founded in 1854. It served as the springboard for the settlement of the rest of the state and the support base for the opening of the West. Built largely to support Fort Leavenworth (founded in 1827) and the settlers heading west, it was home to freight companies, meat packers, provisioners, stove makers and furniture manufacturers. As the city grew, factories and businesses flourished and stately homes were built to house the families whose wealth grew as the city grew. Leavenworth was the industrial center of Kansas and of the west. The city has recently dedicated a historic wayside walking and driving tour commemorating the notable events and locations in the community.