Historic Fort Scott, Kansas – Simple Pleasures, Undiscovered Treasures
Between 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was established and garrisoned by the United States Army. As a segment of a stretch of forts running from Minnesota to Louisiana, Fort Scott was one point in a chain of fortifications to guard the Permanent Indian Frontier. Fort Scott was also situated along the Frontier Military Road built in 1836-1845 connecting Fort Leavenworth with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Army decomissioned the fort in 1853 and the structures were acquired by local settlers at auction.
From 1854 and 1861 the populace of Fort Scott suffered from the violence resulting from the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery proponents. The era described as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem perpetrated by both sides throughout the conflict to decide whether Kansas would be admitted into the Union as a free or slave state.
Despite admission as a free state in 1861 the violence of the Bleeding Kansas period continued during the Civil War. Fort Scott was re-established as the Union Army district headquarters which included the first African-American unit for the Union begining service in 1863.
Following the Civil War, Fort Scott became one of the largest cities in eastern Kansas beating Kansas City several times as the largest railroad center west of the Mississippi. Fort Scott also became home to 3 brick factories-many of which were used to pave the Indianapolis Speedway and in construction of the Panama Canal not including many of the roads and homes of Fort Scott. Agriculture, small industry and banking have also played a large role in the development of Fort Scott.
The Fort was restored in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Site. It remains the focal point of our historic downtown where they have just completed a $2 million Streetscape Project which included vintage street lights and park benches to their shaded sidewalks.
Interesting Fort Scott tourism places to visit include:
- Fort Scott National Historic Site
- 1873 Old Congregational Church
- Gordon Parks Center
- Narrated Trolley Tours
Also in the area – Kansas destinations:
- Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
- Kansas Rocks Recreational Area
Eastern kansas attractions is nationally known for its Fort Scott National Historic Site and its National Cemetery. But, the community that was built around a frontier military fort well over one-hundred-sixty years ago is a thriving community rich in historic heritage, unique shopping opportunities, industry, culture, education and outdoor recreation. Recognized for its small town hospitality, Fort Scott and its residents are even the proud owners of three World Records!