The Great American Footrace: How Far Did Kearny's Army Really Trek?
Ah, the Wild West. A time of dusty trails, ten-gallon hats, and apparently, epic army marathons. We're talking about General Stephen Watts Kearny's "Army of the West" back in 1846. These brave (or maybe slightly crazy) souls set out from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with California in their sights. But the question remains: just how far did they actually hoof it?
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| How Many Miles Did Kearney Army Travel From Fort. Leavenworth To San Diego |
Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Long Walk
Forget your measly 5k jogs. Kearny's army wasn't messing around. Estimates suggest they traversed a whopping 1,912 miles. That's like walking from Kansas City to, well, San Diego! Talk about a one-way ticket to sore calves and a serious case of wanderlust.
Hold on a Sec, Wasn't There a Pony Express Back Then?
Nope. The Pony Express galloped onto the scene in 1860, a good 14 years after Kearny's trek. These guys were rocking the covered wagon and trusty ol' foot power.
Tip: Review key points when done.
Wait, Did They Have, Like, Netflix on the Trail?
Absolutely not! Entertainment consisted of dodging rattlesnakes, singing campfire songs (hopefully not off-key), and maybe the occasional exciting buffalo stampede (hopefully not too exciting).
So, Why Did They Walk So Far Anyway?
Well, it wasn't just for the exercise (although those calves were probably sculpted by the end). Kearny's mission was to claim New Mexico and California for the United States during the Mexican-American War. Turns out, conquering the West involved a whole lot of walking.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Thinking of Retracing Kearny's Steps? (Don't worry, we won't judge...)
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How-To FAQs for the Aspiring Modern-Day Kearny
How to: Train for a 1,912-mile walk?Answer: Start small, buddy. Maybe try a marathon first.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
How to: Deal with rattlesnakes on the trail?Answer: Probably best to avoid them altogether. Hiking boots are good, but snake-repellent boots would be even better (not a real thing, but a good dream).
How to: Pack for a multi-month walk across the country?Answer: Light is right! Pack essentials, like sturdy shoes, a good water filter, and maybe a harmonica for campfire entertainment.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to: Avoid getting lost in the wilderness?Answer: Maps, compasses, and a healthy dose of common sense are your friends. Maybe don't wander off the trail for a selfie with a cactus.
How to: Find a good campfire story for a long journey?Answer: Practice your best "cowboy ghost" tale or brush up on historical trivia. Just don't scare the horses (or yourself).
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