Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Born into Slavery & Forged in the Fires of War

September 15, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

September 13, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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.

-NPS-

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

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

August 27, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

August 23, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

August 13, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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 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 1^st Dragoons guidon.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION SABER DRAWING TO BENEFIT FORT SCOTT NHS

July 30, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

June 25, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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

June 23, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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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Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:

Clothing, Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Native American Dance Presentation and Feather Workshop

May 30, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott, Kan. – Learn Native American stories and experience dance performances by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Then learn how to work with Feathers that adorn the dancers in traditional 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 Feather 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, 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.

-NPS-

Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

National Park Service Augmented Reality Pilot at Fort Scott

May 19, 2025 Submitted Story 1 Comment

The Fort Scott National Historic Site Quartermasters Complex. Submitted photo.

Time Travel at the Tap of a Finger

Fort Scott, Kan. – Travel back in time using just your phone, the NPS App, and the tap of a finger.

Beginning Friday, May 23, 2025, Fort Scott National Historic Site is proud to pilot the first-ever augmented reality (AR) experience of digitally reconstructing historic structures in a national park through the NPS App.

At the heart of this immersive journey is the Quartermaster’s Complex—once the pulse of the fort. In partnership with GuideOne Mobile, the park has brought these vital support structures back to life through AR. Explore the quadrangle as it existed nearly two centuries ago. Hear the sounds of daily operations and uncover the often-overlooked stories of the people and processes that kept the fort running. Each virtual building reveals a new layer of history and purpose.

This is the first in a series of AR experiences planned at the national park.

Discover Fort Scott Like Never Before—Through the power of technology and the NPS App! The official NPS App, available for iOS and Android, offers an immersive way to experience the park—whether you’re on-site, exploring from home, or almost anywhere around the world.

Get Started:

Download the NPS App from the App Store or Google Play. Visit the park’s mobile app page for links and more info: www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/photosmultimedia/mobileapp.htm. Open the app and tap the Fort Scott Quartermaster Complex image to begin your journey.

On-Site Visitors: Start your exploration at the Quartermaster Complex display panel to see the buildings in their original locations.

Exploring from Afar? Select “Place Manually” in the app to begin a virtual visit of Fort Scott.

-NPS-

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, Augmented Reality view of the Quartermaster Complex.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Help Build the Field of Honor at Fort Scott National Historic Site

May 12, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Symbols of Sacrifice, Memorial Day Weekend

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site invites you to join the park in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor Friday morning, May 23, 2025. We welcome everyone to participate and encourage individuals and groups to plan on arriving at 8:30 a.m. and help as long as you are available.

Saturday, May 24th at 11 am and 2 pm, join Dr. Michelle M. Martin for “Sisters in Sorrow: Kansas Women’s Sacrifices for Freedom”. From the founding of Kansas’ first military posts to the turbulent years of Bleeding Kansas, women played a crucial role in the enduring struggle for freedom and justice. As active participants in frontier life, they endured hardships, faced personal losses, and worked tirelessly to build strong families and resilient communities. This program explores the vital contributions of Kansas women during this formative period from 1843 to 1861, shedding light on how their experiences and efforts helped shape the future state of Kansas.

Symbols of Sacrifice continues the entire Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th. The Field of Honor will be open throughout normal park grounds hours, from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset all weekend. Fort Scott National Historic Site also encourages volunteers to help us retire the display on Tuesday, May 27th. This is an all-weather event.

The Field of Honor, with its approximately 8,500 flags, commemorates the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and the visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from half an hour before sunrise until half an 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-

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo. The community creating the 8,500 flag Field of Honor.

Fort Scott National Historic Site