From 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was established and garrisoned by the U.S. Army. As a segment of a line 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 located along the Frontier Military Road constructed in 1836-1845 linking Fort Leavenworth with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Army abandoned the fort in 1853 and the buildings were acquired by local settlers at auction.
From 1854 and 1861 the citizens of Fort Scott suffered from the violence occuring between the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery proponents. The era described as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem committed 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-dedicated as the Union Army district headquarters which housed 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-some of which were used to pave the Indianapolis Speedway and in construction of the Panama Canal along with many of the streets and buildings of Fort Scott. Agriculture, small industry and banking have also played a large part in the development of Fort Scott.
The Fort was restored in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Site. It continues as the centerpiece of our historic downtown where we have recently completed a two million dollar Streetscape Project which included vintage street lights and park benches to their shaded sidewalks.
Interesting Fort Scott tourism places to tour include:
- 1862 U.S. National Cemetery
- Gunn Park
- Lowell Milken Center
- Narrated Trolley Tours
Also in the area - Kansas vacations:
- Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site and Wildlife Refuge
- Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
Eastern kansas attractions is nationally known for its Fort Scott National Historic Site and its National Cemetery. But, the community that was constructed around a frontier military fort well over 160 years ago is a vibrant 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!
