Fort Scott attractions, Kansas – Traditional Pleasures, Historic Treasures

Between 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was dedicated and garrisoned by the U.S. 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 protect the Permanent Indian Frontier. Fort Scott was also located along the Frontier Military Road built in 1836-1845 connecting Fort Leavenworth with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Army abandoned the fort in 1853 and the buildings were acquired by local settlers at auction.

Between 1854 and 1861 the citizens of Fort Scott suffered from the violence occuring from the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates. The era characterized as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem committed by both factions throughout the conflict to determine 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 throughout the Civil War. Fort Scott was re-dedicated as the Union Army district headquarters which housed the first African-American unit for the Union entering service in 1863.

After the Civil War, Fort Scott became one of the largest cities in eastern Kansas rivaling Kansas City several times as the largest railroad center west of the Mississippi. Fort Scott also became home to 3 brick manufacturers-many of which were used to pave the Indianapolis Speedway and in construction of the Panama Canal along with many of the streets and homes of Fort Scott. Food crops, small business 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 continues as the focal point of our historic downtown where we have just completed a million Streetscape Project which included vintage street lights and park benches to their shaded sidewalks.

Interesting Historic Fort Scott places to tour include:

1. 1923 Scottish Rite Masonic Temple
2. Gunn Park
3. Lowell Milken Center
4. Narrated Trolley Tours

Also in the area – Kansas tourism:

• Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
• Kansas Rocks Recreational Area

Fort Scott Tourism 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 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!