Fort Scott National Historic Site - Fort Scott, Kansas

Fort Scott, Kansas, is this small town down in the southeastern part of the state, but it’s packed with history, especially when it comes to the American frontier and the Civil War. It started off as a military outpost back in 1842, meant to keep the peace between settlers and Native Americans in the nearby Indian Territory. The town really found itself in the thick of things during the whole "Bleeding Kansas" period in the 1850s, when pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups were literally fighting over whether Kansas would come in as a free or slave state. Later on, during the Civil War, Fort Scott became a major Union post, acting as a supply hub and hospital.

My buddy Big Ray and I actually rolled into Fort Scott right as the sun was setting, and it made for a pretty awesome experience. The way the light hit those old Victorian-style buildings downtown gave the whole place this kind of golden glow, like you’d stepped back in time. Walking around as the day was fading, you could really feel the history soaking into everything around you.

One of the coolest spots in town is the Gordon Parks Museum, which pays tribute to the legendary African-American photographer and filmmaker who grew up in Fort Scott. Even though it’s a pretty quiet place now with about 8,000 people, Fort Scott still holds on to its roots. The Fort Scott National Historic Site is a big draw, too—there’s reenactments, programs, and all kinds of ways to dive into the area’s Civil War and frontier history.

For me, I always enjoy learning more about Native American history, especially since I spent some of my younger years in Oklahoma, where that history is all around you. Fort Scott’s connection to the Indian Territory and its role in those early clashes really adds another layer to the story. Even though it’s a small town today, Fort Scott is full of fascinating history that makes it a great stop for anyone interested in the past.

Fort Scott and Westward Expansion (1842-1853)

Fort Scott got its start in 1842 as part of a line of forts meant to keep the peace between settlers and Native American tribes after the Indian Removal Act. Basically, the government moved several Native American tribes into what’s now Oklahoma, and Fort Scott’s job was to make sure there was no trouble between them and the settlers pushing west. It was all part of the bigger picture of westward expansion, with settlers moving out on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails in search of new opportunities. So, the fort wasn’t just about the military—it was also about keeping the wagon trains safe and making sure things didn’t get too out of hand on the frontier.

Bleeding Kansas (1850s)

Things really heated up in the 1850s when Fort Scott became part of the wild political and physical battles of "Bleeding Kansas." After the Kansas-Nebraska Act, settlers moving into Kansas got to vote on whether it would be a free state or a slave state. This led to all kinds of chaos as pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups literally fought it out. Fort Scott was right in the middle of it. The town was divided, and both sides were fighting for control. It wasn’t just about politics—there were raids, skirmishes, and some pretty intense violence. Even people like John Brown, the famous abolitionist, made their mark in the area. You can still feel that tension when you walk around the historic sites today.

Military Reoccupation During the Civil War (1861-1865)

Once the Civil War broke out, Fort Scott got pulled right back into the action. The Union Army reoccupied the fort, and it became a major hub for supplies, troops, and even a hospital. Given that it’s near the Kansas-Missouri border, it was in a pretty dangerous spot, with Confederate guerilla fighters and outlaws constantly threatening the area. The fort had to protect the whole region, and it even became a safe haven for people escaping slavery from the South. African-American soldiers, including the U.S. Colored Troops, were stationed here, making Fort Scott an important part of the Union’s efforts out West.

Post-Civil War Development

After the war, Fort Scott quickly shifted from a military outpost to a growing town. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s was a game changer, turning Fort Scott into a bustling regional hub. Businesses popped up, and people started settling in from all over. It became an important center for agriculture and coal mining, with a mix of settlers, including immigrants from Europe, helping to build up the town. A lot of the Victorian-style buildings you see today came from this boom period.

Fort Scott National Cemetery

Another important part of the town’s history is the Fort Scott National Cemetery, which was established in 1865. It’s one of the original national cemeteries set up by President Lincoln during the Civil War, and many Union soldiers who fought in the region are buried here. You’ll also find graves from later wars, including the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. It’s a peaceful place that really makes you think about all the history that passed through here.

Frontier and Civilian Tensions

In the early days, there wasn’t just conflict with the Native American tribes or the pro- and anti-slavery groups—there was also tension between the military, the local settlers, and the Fort Scott Town Company. After the Army pulled out in 1853, they tried selling off the land, which led to all kinds of disputes over who actually owned what. People fought for land rights, and things got heated with legal battles and even some physical confrontations. So, even when the fort wasn’t an active military post, there was plenty of drama playing out in the town’s early days.

Gordon Parks and the Civil Rights Movement

One of Fort Scott’s most famous figures is Gordon Parks, who was born here in 1912. If you’re into photography, you’ve probably heard of him—he was a groundbreaking African-American photographer, filmmaker, and writer. His work documenting poverty, racism, and the African-American experience was incredibly powerful. Parks grew up in Fort Scott, and the racism he faced there shaped a lot of his later work. The Gordon Parks Museum in town is a cool spot that honors his legacy and his contributions to civil rights and the arts.

Fort Scott’s Industrial Boom

Fort Scott didn’t just stay a military or historical town. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became a pretty important spot for manufacturing and agriculture, thanks to its location along key railroad lines. The population grew, businesses flourished, and the town really developed into a regional hub. A lot of the historic buildings you see today, like the old Victorian homes and commercial buildings, were built during this period, giving Fort Scott that charming, historic feel it still has.

The southwest area of Kansas might be rural, but it has plenty of interesting spots to explore, from quirky roadside attractions to places rich in history and natural beauty. Here are a few things you and Big Ray might enjoy checking out if you’re road-tripping through the region:

1. Boot Hill Museum (Dodge City)

Dodge City is a must-see for anyone interested in the Old West. The Boot Hill Museum is packed with artifacts from the days of cowboys, outlaws, and saloons. They’ve got everything from a recreated frontier town to gunfight reenactments. Dodge City was a famous stop for cattle drives, and you can really feel the Wild West vibe here.

2. Monument Rocks National Landmark (Gove County)

Also known as the "Chalk Pyramids," Monument Rocks is one of the oldest geological formations in North America, dating back about 80 million years. These towering rock formations rise out of the flat Kansas plains and make for an incredible sight, especially at sunrise or sunset. If you’re into photography or just enjoy scenic landscapes, this is a perfect stop.

3. The Big Well (Greensburg)

If you like odd roadside attractions, you’ll love The Big Well in Greensburg, which is exactly what it sounds like—the world’s largest hand-dug well. It’s over 100 feet deep, and you can actually walk down into it. After a devastating tornado in 2007, the town rebuilt, and now there’s a museum that tells the story of the well and Greensburg’s recovery.

4. Cimarron National Grassland (Elkhart)

For outdoor lovers, the Cimarron National Grassland offers wide-open spaces, hiking trails, and camping areas. It’s the largest area of public land in Kansas and gives you a chance to explore the shortgrass prairie ecosystem, with chances to see wildlife like prairie dogs, pronghorn, and a variety of birds. There’s also the Santa Fe Trail, so you can follow the paths of early settlers.

5. Dalton Gang Hideout (Meade)

If you’re into Wild West history, swing by the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade. The Dalton brothers were infamous outlaws, and this site shows the secret tunnel they allegedly used to escape the law. There’s a small museum with more outlaw history and artifacts from that time period.

6. Kansas Meteorite Museum & Nature Center (Haviland)

This offbeat spot in Haviland is dedicated to all things meteorites. If you’re curious about space rocks and the role they’ve played in Kansas history (yes, Kansas has been hit by meteorites!), this small museum is both fun and educational.

7. Santa Fe Trail Tracks (Lakin)

Out near Lakin, you can actually still see the original wagon ruts left by settlers traveling the Santa Fe Trail in the 1800s. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of the westward expansion, and the history that shaped the region. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth a visit if you're into pioneer history.

8. El Quartelejo Ruins (Scott City)

Located in Lake Scott State Park, these are the remains of a Native American pueblo built by Taos Indians and Plains Apache around the late 1600s. It’s a fascinating piece of Kansas history that often gets overlooked. The park itself is also a great place for hiking, fishing, and camping.

9. Liberal, Kansas – Dorothy's House & Land of Oz

For a bit of fun, head over to Liberal and check out Dorothy's House, a museum dedicated to The Wizard of Oz. They’ve recreated the house from the movie and offer guided tours through a "Land of Oz" exhibit. It’s kitschy, but if you’re a fan of the movie or looking for something lighthearted, it’s worth a stop.

10. Stauth Memorial Museum (Montezuma)

This is a unique little museum focused on the travels of Claude and Donalda Stauth, who visited over 95 countries during their lifetime. The exhibits feature artifacts and souvenirs from around the world, making it an unexpectedly global experience in the heart of Kansas.