Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott NHS to Host Naturalization Ceremony Sept. 16

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A previous naturalization ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. NPS Photo.

National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior
Fort Scott National Historic Site News Release

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host Special Naturalization Ceremony on September 16

Fort Scott, Kan. – Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the fort’s parade ground.

Check-in for ceremony participants begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Holly L. Teeter, United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, is scheduled to preside.

Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott Mayor Kathryn Salsbury will provide opening remarks. The Fort Scott High School Orchestra is scheduled to perform.

Seating will be provided for ceremony participants. Friends, family, guests, and the public are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall (1 E 3rd St, Fort Scott, KS 66701).

Media attending the ceremony are requested to RSVP and be in place by 10 a.m. at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1 Old Fort Blvd., Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Photo credit: NPS Photo

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Submitted

Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Labors on the Frontier
Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kan. – Saturday through Monday, September 5–7, 2026, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., enjoy a variety of living history demonstrations as you explore the labors on the fort. Monday will be Artillery demonstrations at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.

Visit with an officer’s wife practicing needlepoint, a laundress doing laundry, learn about caring for your horse from a Dragoon soldier, log hewing with an infantry soldier, and join ranger guided tours at 1:00 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Photo credit: NPS Photo

Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Submitted

Fort Scott Welcomes Army Mounted Color Guard Aug. 29

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US Army Photo of the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard Soldiers from the US Army's 1st Infantry Division.
US Army Photo of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard Soldiers from the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Fort Scott, Kan. – Saturday, August 29, 2026, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard (CGMCG) from Fort Riley, with activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to witness living history as the Army quarters their horses in the Dragoon Stables, echoing practices from the 1840s and 1850s. Wagon and mule team rides will be available throughout the event.

The CGMCG preserves Fort Riley’s legacy, showcasing the discipline and tradition of America’s mounted forces. Soldiers and horses, outfitted in authentic uniforms and equipment, present polished displays of cavalry horsemanship and military tradition.

Fort Scott and Fort Riley share a historic connection: Fort Scott closed in 1853, the same year Fort Riley was established. Both posts played key roles in protecting travelers along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

Children Learn Flag Etiquette in Happenstance Meeting

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Cal Proctor, Judah Proctor, Wes Proctor and Stetson Harris with Fort Scott National Historic Site Ranger Paige Randolph, following the raising of the flag.. Submitted photos.

Kevin Moyers was having a morning walk with a couple of his grandchildren a few weeks ago at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and a ranger was putting the flags up for the day.

“She asked if the kids wanted to help,” Moyers said. “They did, and it was a thrill for them. So, over the 4th of July, more grandkids were coming in and I called the Fort to ask if we could help again, and they were glad for that to happen.”

Ranger Paige Randolph gave the children some points on respect for the flag and flag raising, he said.

Ranger Paige Randolph gives a lesson on raising the flag at Fort Scott National Historic Site to Cal Proctor, Wesley Proctor, and Stetson Harris. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government, History

Immerse Yourself in America’s History at the Fort On July 4

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Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Saturday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 4

10 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

 

Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo of an artillery firing.

 

 

Submitted by Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)

National Park Service, DOI Region 5

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Official US Flag Disposal Ceremony 

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott, Kan. – Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., Fort Scott National Historic Site, American Legion Post 25, and Fort Scott Fire Department will be hosting an official US Flag Disposal Ceremony. Bring your: United States, POW/MIA, State, and Service (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard) flags to the fort between now and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and we will properly and respectfully dispose of them. Just as there’s etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.

4 U.S. Code § 8k (Respect for flag) states that: The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. “As with celebrating this country’s newest citizens at our Naturalization Ceremony and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom through the ‘Field of Honor’ during Symbols of Sacrifice, we are proud to be a part in honoring this country’s flag by hosting this ceremony,” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

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Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Submitted by

Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)

National Park Service, DOI Region 5

Office – 620-223-0310

www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS

www.instagram.com/FortScottNPS

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Native American Dance Presentation and Native Craft Workshop

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Fort Scott, Kan. – Learn Native American stories and experience dance performances by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Then create traditional corn husk dolls in Native Plains fashion. All activities are free and open to the public.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

10 a.m.: Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort, meet in the Visitor Center

1 p.m.: Oklahoma Fancy Dancers (Native American Cultural Dance Presentation), Parade Ground

2:30 p.m.: Make & Take Traditional Native Corn Husk Doll Workshop for youth and some space for adults, meet inside of the Grand Hall

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

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Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host Annual Symbols of Sacrifice on May 22

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Photo: National Park Service.

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site invites the public to help place flags for the annual “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 22. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate and stay as long as they are available.

 

The display continues throughout Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. The Field of Honor, featuring about 8,500 U.S. flags, commemorates members of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the nation. The display is open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

 

Volunteers are also encouraged to help retire the display at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. The event will take place in all weather conditions.

 

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began after the Civil War as a time to honor fallen service members. It was designated a federal holiday in 1971.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government, History

Fort Scott National Historic Site to host Annual Civil War Encampment

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Submitted by NPS

 

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site will host its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 18 and 19, 2026.  Join us each day to experience cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops drilling and preparing for battle in the summer of 1861.

 

Talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, and speak with volunteers portraying some of the men and women who provided support to the troops and operations during the Civil War. Listen to the Second Hand Strings musical performance, learn about Civil War medicine, bread baking, and challenge your family or friends to tug-o-war and other historic lawn games. The weekend is full of adventure for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

  • 9 a.m.                              Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 9:30 a.m.                        Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 10 a.m.                            Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
  • 10:30 a.m.                     Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
  • 11 a.m.                            Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
  • 11:30 a.m.                     Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 11:30-1:30 p.m.           Cooking Demonstration (North of Dragoon Barracks)
  • Noon                                Second Hand Strings Musical Performance (Hospital Porch)
  • 1 p.m.                              Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
  • 2 p.m.                              Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 3 p.m.                              Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
  • 4 p.m.                              Flag Retreat (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 4:30 p.m.                        Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

  • 9 a.m.                              Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 9:30 am                           Historic Church Service (Dragoon Barracks)
  • 10 a.m.                            Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
  • 10:30 a.m.                     Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 11 a.m.                            Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
  • 11:30 a.m.                     Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 1 p.m.                              Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
  • 1:30 p.m.                        Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 2 p.m.                              Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
  • 2:30 p.m.                        Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
  • 3:30 p.m.                        Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 4 p.m.                              Flag Retreat (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 4:30 p.m.                        Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Weekly Chamber Coffee Hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Group

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Friends of The Fort Scott National Historic Site
Thursday, January 29th

8am

Fort Scott

National Historic Site

(in the upstairs of the Infantry Barracks/Museum just west of the Visitor Center. Elevator available if needed)

1 Old Fort Blvd.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, January 29th at 8am, hosted by The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc.

The event will be held at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, located at 1 Old Fort Blvd., in the upstairs of the Infantry Barracks/Museum just west of the Visitor Center. An elevator is available if needed. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in

partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of the site through fundraising, volunteerism, education, and advocacy.

In 2026, in addition to supporting the park’s regular operations and annual events, Friends will help host one of the largest naturalization events in the country in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary on the grounds of Fort. Another key focus will be increasing volunteer staffing to help support essential park operations. Fundraising efforts will include a drawing for a Replica 1847 Walker Colt Revolver, along with the continued Fly the Flag subscription program.

Join us on January 29th to learn more about supporting the Friends and help celebrate Kansas Day with birthday cake and coffee.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Friends of Fort Scott

National Historic Site website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Fort Scott National Historic Site

44th Annual Candlelight Tour Tickets on Sale Now

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                         Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Tickets are now on sale for the 44th Annual Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5–6, 2025.

 

Tickets are available online at fofs.ludus.com for $5 per person; children 5 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Early purchase is recommended, as the event frequently sells out.

 

The 45-minute guided tours depart every 15 minutes, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 5 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and end in the Grand Hall with warm drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS. Visitors should arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, check in and get oriented. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the tours are outdoors and follow paved sidewalks.

 

This year’s program, “Comfort and Joy in Fort Scott,” explores the celebrations, large and small, that helped build morale at the fort. 1,000 candle lanterns will illuminate the site as reenactors, including you, bring the 19th-century Fort Scott to life.

 

“Each year, the Candlelight Tour gives visitors a chance to not just observe history, but to walk through it,” said Jill Jaworski, superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It’s a special opportunity to experience the warmth, resilience and community spirit that defined Fort Scott.”

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Admission to the park is free.

 

For more information, call 620-223-0310, visit www.nps.gov/fosc, or follow the park on www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps.

 

 

 

www.nps.gov

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.

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

44th Annual Candlelight Tour Tickets on Sale Now

Leave a comment

 

Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Tickets are now on sale for the 44th Annual Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5–6, 2025.

 

Tickets are available online at fofs.ludus.com for $5 per person; children 5 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Early purchase is recommended, as the event frequently sells out.

 

The 45-minute guided tours depart every 15 minutes, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 5 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and end in the Grand Hall with warm drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS. Visitors should arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, check in and get oriented. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the tours are outdoors and follow paved sidewalks.

 

This year’s program, “Comfort and Joy in Fort Scott,” explores the celebrations, large and small, that helped build morale at the fort. 1,000 candle lanterns will illuminate the site as reenactors, including you, bring the 19th-century Fort Scott to life.

 

“Each year, the Candlelight Tour gives visitors a chance to not just observe history, but to walk through it,” said Jill Jaworski, superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It’s a special opportunity to experience the warmth, resilience and community spirit that defined Fort Scott.”

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Admission to the park is free.

 

For more information, call 620-223-0310, visit www.nps.gov/fosc, or follow the park on www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo