Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

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.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Candlelight Tour At The Fort Is Carrying On, Although Reduced, On December 5-6

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Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event. This photo is from 2019.

The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to    https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.

The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.

The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.

They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.

They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.

“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”

“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.

“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”

The Fort’s employees are government employees,

But as in years past, on  November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.

The group is  doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.

However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.

The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:

Tickets are available by three sources;

1)  log onto fofs.ludus.com to make your payment,

2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.

3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.

Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.

It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.

The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.

Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.

On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.

Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

 

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.

Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.

National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

Pulling Together For The Common Good

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Fort Scott National Historic Site
The U.S. Federal Government shut down is affecting areas not thought of previously.
During a city supervisor’s meeting last week, it was brought up in conversation that the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s lawn had not been mowed as usual.
“With the government shutdown the FSNHS,  staff has not been allowed to work at the Fort, but the grass continues to grow,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager on the city’s Facebook page.  “So I reached out to the FSNHS superintendent to see what kind of hoops we needed to jump through to enable us to mow the property. After a few days of government work we were given the OK to proceed with mowing, Knowing the weekend is going to be nice and visitors will be wanting to see the Fort in it’s beauty, the Parks Department and Chief Bruner took time out of their regular daily duties to go mow and weedeat the grounds. Thank you guys for your dedication.”
Norman Mackley, Fort Scott Park Department Supervisor, said “At a supervisors weekly meeting, I think, (Fort Scott Fire Chief) Dave Bruner volunteered. Then Dave contacted me.”
Thursday afternoon, October 16, Mackley and Parks Maintenance employee Paul Ballou, each took a 72 inch city lawn mower and spent about three hours mowing the Fort Scott National Historic Site lawn.
“I found out, there is more to  mow than I thought,” Mackley said. “I estimate seven acres.”
On Friday, Bruner trimmed weeds and overgrown grass with a with a weed eater to keep the Fort lawn looking neat, and manicured, with trimming also from Mackley and Ballou.
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host National Public Lands Day Event Sept. 27

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Prairie restoration. Submitted from Fort Scott National Historic Site, NPS.

Volunteers are needed for a day of helping remove weeds from Fort Scott National Historic Site on National Public Lands Day, September 27.

Tens of thousands of volunteers across the country will join in trail maintenance, planting projects, trash pick-up, and other activities aimed at restoring and caring for public lands to celebrate the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day.

 

On the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands, Fort Scott National Historic Site plans to remove invasive and exotic woody plants from the tallgrass prairie starting at 9:00 a.m. The first 50 volunteers will get a free one-day entry pass to federal public lands, valid for up to one year after the event. Tools, gloves, and other equipment will be provided by the park; volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. Sunscreen and insect spray are also encouraged. Kids under the age of 12 must stay with their parents, and pets are not allowed on the project. Entry is free to all National Parks on Public Lands Day, September 27th, 2025.

 

National Public Lands Day promotes shared stewardship of public lands through a variety of programs, activities, and volunteer work projects. In the last 10 years, NPLD has had more than 1,000,000 volunteers and generated more than $133 Million in volunteer service.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a 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. 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, on Facebook 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.

 

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Born into Slavery & Forged in the Fires of War

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Cover art by Calvin L. Osborne. Submitted graphic.

Untold Stories of African American History

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting author, historical researcher, and Civil War reenactor Calvin L. Osborne on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the East Infantry Barracks, where he will share an epic story of a once-enslaved man who fought for freedom, helped shape a nation, and unknowingly laid a foundation for generations to come.

 

The pre–Civil War South story follows Osborne’s great-great-grandfather’s journey from bondage to the battlefield, through the Battle of Westport, the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, into his new life in Kansas.

 

Mr. Osborne explores the world of African Americans labeled as “contraband,” freed slaves who were neither fully free nor protected. Osburne brings to light the triumphs and tragedies of a people caught between bondage and liberation, family and fate, heartbreak and hope.

 

By day, Osborne is a practicing real estate attorney and has more than two decades of experience in law and real estate development. He is a student of African American military history and heritage, participating in reenactments to honor the courage and sacrifice of black soldiers. His research into genealogy and primary documents unearthed the real-life love story between his great-great-grandparents, William and Lucinda Lacy.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Fort Scott National Historic Site is a 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. 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, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps

-NPS-

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

Naturalization Ceremony at FSNHS on Sept. 17, Constitution/Citizenship Day

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NPS Photo of the 2024 Naturalization Ceremony.

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host Special Naturalization Ceremony on Constitution/Citizenship Day Sept. 17

Fort Scott, Kan. – Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the parade ground here.

 

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

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott Mayor Tim Van Hoecke plan to provide opening remarks. John K. Burchill, Emeriti Professor of Criminal Justice, is scheduled to provide the keynote address. 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.

 

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’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Fort Scott National Historic Site is a 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. 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, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps

 

-NPS-

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott

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Saturday, August 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Saturday, enjoy historic yard games, a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs as you explore the labors and leisure on the fort.

 

Visit with an officer’s wife doing needlepoint, a laundress making soap and doing laundry,  a cooking demonstration, a contracted teamster discussing the best way to assemble his freight wagon and learn about caring for your horse from a Dragoon soldier. Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The 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.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Celebrate the National Park Service’s Anniversary at Fort Scott NHS

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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.

www.nps.gov/fosc

 

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  

 

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.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Celebrate the National Park Service’s Anniversary at Fort Scott NHS

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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 and a 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.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: Image of NPS arrowhead, 1st Infantry Division Band’s logo, and A Company of the 1st Dragoons guidon.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION SABER DRAWING TO BENEFIT FORT SCOTT NHS

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 If you are from Southeast Kansas, chances are you have visited Fort Scott National Historic Site and learned about the elite fighting force, known as the Dragoons.  One of the essential tools in the Dragoon’s arsenal was the saber. Measuring 39 inches long and weighing nearly 2 pounds, Dragoons were trained to use them to fight on foot as well as on horseback.

You may become the proud owner of one of these impressive historic weapons, as the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site are offering chances to win an authentic reproduction of a 1833 Dragoon saber. Tickets are $10 each or $25 for 3 tickets.  Funds raised will be used to benefit programs and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Chances will be sold throughout the summer at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce during their operating hours or from any Friends of FSNHS board member.  The drawing will take place on September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history!

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

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Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

FREE ICE CREAM AT FORT SCOTT NHS THIS SATURDAY

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There is nothing that says summer more than ice cream.  Start your summer off right with a free sweet treat being offered at Fort Scott National Historic Site from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm,  Saturday, June 28.  This ice cream social is being sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in conjunction with other fort activities.

The Friends will also be selling chances to win an authentic reproduction of an 1833 Dragoon saber.  A drawing to select the winner will be held September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Chances are $10 each and $25 for three.  All proceeds will benefit activities and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

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Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum

Kansas Tourism Announces 2025 Sunflower Summer Attraction Lineup

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Editor’s note: Fort Scott National Historic Site and Gordon Parks Museum are on the list!

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —  museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.

“With such a wide variety of exceptional attractions participating this year, Sunflower Summer continues to open doors for Kansas families to explore and connect with every corner of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only creates unforgettable memories for students and parents — it also fuels local economies by drawing visitors to main streets, museums and hidden gems across Kansas.”

The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3. During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate. The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Sunflower Summer for another year,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program is a wonderful celebration of the incredible experiences Kansas has to offer. The variety and quality of attractions participating this year truly are outstanding — and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”

For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, go to SunflowerSummer.org.

Families are encouraged to share their Sunflower Summer journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas and inspiration, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.

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