Fort Scott Vacation, Kansas – Beautiful Pleasures, Historic Treasures

Posted on February 18, 2009
Filed Under North America

Between 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was established and garrisoned by the United States Army. As part of a line of forts stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, Fort Scott was one link in a chain of fortifications to protect the Permanent Indian Frontier. Fort Scott was also located on 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 purchased by local settlers at auction.

Between1854 and 1861 the citizens of Fort Scott experienced the violence resulting from the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates. The era described as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem committed by both sides during the fight 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-established as the Union Army district headquarters which included 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 later became home to three 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 insurance 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 remains the centerpiece of our historic downtown where we have just completed a $2 million Streetscape Project which added period street lights and park benches to our shaded sidewalks.

Interesting Fort Scott tourism places to visit include:

• 1873 Old Congregational Church
• Fort Scott National Historic Site
• Narrated Trolley Tours
• 1862 U.S. National Cemetery

Also in the area – Kansas vacation getaways:
Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site and Wildlife Refuge
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
Kansas Rocks Recreational Area
Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

Eastern Kansas vacation 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 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!

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