FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site celebrates the anniversary of the National Park Service, Monday, August 25, 2025, with a series of family-friendly games, trivia, a scavenger hunt throughout the day, fort tours at 10 am and 1 pm, and a musical performance by the 1st Infantry Division Band from Fort Riley. Activities are appropriate for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 1st Infantry Division Band from Fort Riley beginning at 6 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Organic Act” which stated that the purpose of the newly formed National Park Service was “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” What better way to celebrate the Park Service’s anniversary than with a fun-filled day in your national park with the family!
Fort Scott and Fort Riley have a connection. Fort Scott closed operations in 1853, the same year Fort Riley was opened. The Fort Scott Dragoons and the Fort Riley Cavalry both shared portions of the same mission at different times, providing protection on the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.
Historical Note of Interest about the band: One notable example of the use of bands in Vietnam was the “Thunder Road” incident, which received national publicity. Major General John Hay, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, ordered his band to march down “Thunder Road” for a distance of one mile while playing the march Colonel Bogey. This road was critical to the division but was under the control of a North Vietnamese Army regiment located less than a mile away. The enemy confused by the action withdrew from the area. The 1st Infantry Division Band fulfilled a remarkable combat mission without firing a shot.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is one of 430+ nationally significant sites and is truly the story of America growing up.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site, or become involved in activities at the Fort, please call the park at 620-223-0310, visit us at www.nps.gov/fosc, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/FortScottNPS, and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.