Fort Scott Historic Site - Kansas

Fort Scott National Historic Site: A Glimpse into American History

Located in the eastern part of Kansas, Fort Scott National Historic Site is a remarkable destination that preserves the legacy of a U.S. Army post central to the nation's westward expansion. This historic site offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the past and understand the significant role this location played in shaping American history.

Historical Background

Established in 1842, Fort Scott was built during a time when many Native American tribes were being forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands, an event known as the Trail of Tears. The fort was constructed to maintain peace between Native American tribes and white settlers moving westward. Soldiers stationed at the fort provided protection for immigrants traveling along the Santa Fe and other trails.

Fort Scott remained unattacked during its time as a U.S. Army post and was abandoned in 1853. However, it saw renewed military use during the Civil War, with the Union Army occupying multiple buildings starting in 1861. The fort served as a crucial supply depot, military hospital, and prison during this period. It was again abandoned in 1865 but returned to service in 1870 when soldiers were assigned to protect railroad workers laying tracks in the region.

This was one of the rare instances in U.S. history where the Army used its weapons against American citizens. The fort was eventually abandoned once more in 1873.

Exploring the Park Today

Today, visitors can tour the grounds and see 11 original buildings, including the hospital, officer’s quarters, quartermaster’s storehouse, bakehouse, and carriage houses. These structures surround the parade grounds, offering a glimpse into the past. Walking around the parade grounds is relatively easy, though some areas have uneven rock pathways that may be challenging for those with knee issues. It’s important to prepare for the sun, wind, and weather, as there is little shade on the grounds.

Visitor Center and Amenities

The visitor center is located in the historic Post Hotel on the fort. Here, guests can find an information desk, a small store, and an area with National Park Passport stamps. The center also serves as a drop-off and pick-up point for the Junior Ranger program. Visitor Center hours vary by season, with extended hours from April to October and adjusted hours from November to March.

Park Movie and Historic Buildings

Visitors can watch the park's movie, "Dreams and Dilemmas: Fort Scott and the Growth of a Nation," online before their visit. Eleven historic buildings containing 30 historically furnished rooms are open to the public. Guided tours are available daily from May through September, departing at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Other times of the year depend on staffing availability.

Junior Ranger Program

Fort Scott offers three different Junior Ranger booklets tailored for various age groups, including preschoolers, younger elementary students, and older children. It is recommended to pick up these booklets before touring the grounds, as many questions require answers found in specific buildings.

Additional Information

• Park Address: 1 Old Fort Blvd., Fort Scott, KS 66701
• Location: Approximately 90 miles south of Kansas City and 60 miles northwest of Joplin, Missouri, just 4 miles from the Kansas-Missouri border.
• Park Hours: Visitors can walk the park grounds, walkways, and parking lot from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset, except during inclement weather. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• Entrance Fee: Free of charge.
• National Park Pass: America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for all U.S. National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
• Camping: No overnight camping or parking on the grounds.
• Lodging: While no lodging is available within the park, several motels and bed and breakfasts are located in and around Fort Scott.
• Pets: Pets are allowed on-site if on a leash, but not inside the buildings, except for service animals.

Nearby National Parks

Fort Scott National Historic Site is close to several other national parks and monuments, including George Washington Carver National Monument, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Harry S Truman National Historic Site, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Visitors can also explore nearby parks in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

For more information, visit the National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/fosc/index.htm.