Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Comancheria
Officer's Quarters and Parade Ground,
Fort Scott NHS (NPS Photo)
The U.S. Army established Fort Scott in 1842 to protect the Permanent Indian Frontier. American Indian/non-Indian relations during the 1840s were relatively peaceful. Troops participated in the Mexican War and mission of exploration, and they functioned as escorts in the far west.
Fort Scott was abandoned by the U.S. Army in 1853 as the frontier moved westward. The buildings were sold at public auction in 1855 and became the town of Fort Scott. This was the end of the fort but not of the military presence in the area. Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, and land squabbles in the 1870s brought the U.S. Army back as violence and turmoil periodically plagued the area until 1873.
Tours and Information
Interpretive programs, guided tours,and special events are offered throughout the year.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
(316) 223-0310 Old Fort Boulevard in northeast Fort Scott
Events
Civil War Encampment – second weekend in April
Good Ol' Days – first weekend in June
Military Holiday – first Saturday in July
Mexican War Encampment – first weekend after Labor Day
American Indian Heritage Weekend – second weekend in October
Frontier Candlelight Tour – first weekend in December
Exhibits
Administered by the National Park Service, Fort Scott National Historic Site contains 20 major historic structures, 33 historically furnished rooms, museum exhibits, and a bookstore.
Points of Interest
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Old Fort Blvd., 620-223-0310
Lyons Victorian Mansion, 742 S. National
National Cemetery, East National
Antique, Gift & Craft Shoppes, Victorian Downtown
Ralph Richards Museum, 17 S. Main, 620-223-1557
Keeney Train Collection, Shown by appointment, 620-223-0399
Historic Trolley Tours, 231 E Wall, (800) 245-3678
Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National
Fort Scott Jubilee Country Music Show, 1 E. Third
Genealogy Library, 502. S. National
Chenault Mansion, 820 S. National
1881 Fort Lincoln School, 800/245-3678
Accommodations
Azure Sky Motel, 902 E. Wall, 620-223-6410
Best Western/Fort Scott Inn, 101 State, 620-223-0100
Chenault Mansion, 820 S. National, 620-223-680
Courtland Bed & Breakfast Inn, 121 E. 1st, 620-223-0098
Restaurants
Chicken Mary's, 1133 E 600 Rd, 620-231-9510
El Charro's Mexican Restaurant, 22 S. Main, 620-223-9944
Fort Scott Dairy Queen, 1735 S National, 620-224-2226
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