Tuesday, October 31, 2023, join Fort Scott National Historic Site guides for a special candle lantern walk called the Murder and Mayhem at the Fort Lantern Tour, according to a press release.
There is no cost to the public.
Tour guides from the 1840s-1860s, will share some of the lesser-told tragedies and macabre events that were far too common in Fort Scott’s 19th century.
“There was violence and tragedy that happened at the fort during the 1840s to the 1860s,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management, said. “The fort was the whole town during this time, and there were 1,000s of soldiers here during the Civil War.”
They will talk, in period costume, about some of those events.
Tour guides are Carl Brenner, Barry Geertsen, and Jessica Nielsen-employees at the Fort, and Matthew Wells, a member of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
These four special Halloween lantern tours will start every 30 minutes beginning at 6:30 pm at the visitor center.
Space is limited and required reservations will open Friday, October 13, at 8:30 a.m. Contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Those with reservations, please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park and get oriented, according to the press release. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
“We’ve been planning this for several years,” Brenner, said. “But staff turnover precluded us from moving forward. All our pumpkins are in a line now and we can move forward.”
Carl Brenner.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 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.
Full moon over the Fort Scott National Historic Site Parade Ground. Photo credit: NPS, C. Brenner
Special Night Sky Program
Saturday, October 28, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will share stories and a closer look at October’s full Hunter’s, or Hunting, Moon. The program will begin just after the moonrise at 6:30 pm and telescope viewing begins just after twilight at 7 pm.
Look up to the same October Hunter’s Moon as it ushers in fall and winter, discussing what it could mean to you and your family as people have done for centuries on the American frontier. Then look closer at the next frontier on our moon and other planets, or last frontier of deep space.
The Kansas Astronomical Observers will join Park Rangers with their telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars sharing how you can take a closer look at our moon from your own back yard.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily 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.
Fort Scott Kan. – Thursday, September 14, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony. Check-in for new citizens begins at 8 am and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the historic grounds of the Fort.
The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, welcoming remarks by Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner and Mayor Matthew Wells, and an address from Mark McCoy, former city manager for the City of Fort Scott.
Approximately 95 applicants will be naturalized from 36 different countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, South, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam) at the ceremony, which is open to the public. There will be seating for the applicants, but other seating will be limited. Friends, family, and guests are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily 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.
Friends of the Fort Scott National Historical Site
Reed Hartford, president of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site tells of some of the support services the group provided the fort to Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce attendees in 2017. Matt Wells is the current president.
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC. (Friends) will have its Annual Meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:00pm in Zimmerman Hall (the basement) in the Presbyterian Church on 3rd and Crawford Street (south entrance). This event is free and open to the public.
“The community and all members of the Friends are encouraged to attend,” said Matt Wells, President of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC. “We will elect new officers, begin planning for next year’s activities, and enjoy refreshments and a special discussion with Fire Chief David Bruner on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11,” continued Wells.
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site. Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising
Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.
On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.
Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily 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.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsey Madison opens the FS Downtown Meet and Greet.
There are several community projects happening in Fort Scott.
At the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greeton July 11, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, leaders of several of the projects gave updates. The event was hosted by Lyons Realty Group office.
Lindsey Madison, Chamber Executive Director, gave a summary of the upcoming events and promotions:
July 15: Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale
July 18: Patty LaRoche will present a book talk at Hedgehog.INK! from 7 to 8:30 p.m. LaRoche’s new book, A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection will be featured.
August 4-6: Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, where participating businesses give customers a 9.4 percent discount on purchases.
Sept. 8-9: Town-wide Garage Sale
Sept. 9: Art Crawl by the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Artificers and more, from 2-6 p.m.
Sept. 16: Author Miranda Collins, Chanute, writer of Action Detective Mystery will be at Hedgehog.INK! at 2 p.m.
Sept. 21: Downtown Fall Fest, stores open until 8 p.m. for fall food snacks and shopping.
Oct. 28: Halloween Parade. Festivities start at 10 a.m., children’s downtown parade on Main Street at 11 a.m.
Nov. 9-11: Holiday Open House, kick off on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with continued open house on Friday and Saturday.
Nov. 25: Shop Small Friday/Saturday in Fort Scott.
Nov. 30 Candy land Christmas with parade and festivities downtown.
Bailey Lyons gave an update on the splash pad project: Concrete is being poured this Thursday on the big splash pad. On July 15-16 volunteers are needed to help with landscaping projects: bring gloves and tools. The group has raised approximately $325,000 for the project nearing completion.
The new historic mural that will be created on Skubitz Plaza will be unveiled in coordination with the Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 6. The mural was approved by the city’s design review board this week, Jerry Witt, owner of the mural site building said.
The multi-purpose pavilion to be on Skubitz Plaza is in the works, Madison said. The Farmers Market group will use the facility “and anyone else.”
The welcome arch to the city is being worked on by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and will go to the city’s design review board.
The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday July 14 at Woodland Hills Golf Course. They are still accepting raffle items.
The Special Olympic Golf Tournament is July 29 at the same course.
The mountain bike race, the Marmaton Massacre Festival, will be Sept. 16 in Gunn Park.
The annual Naturalization Ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will be on a Friday in September to be announced.
Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said it is asphalt laying season in the county, “please be cautious of workers.”
“Since 2019 we’ve lowered the mill levy by 9.6%…I will not vote for a mill levy increase,” he said.
There is a new format for speaking at the commission meetings, he said: People must sign up and they get 5 minutes each to speak. “We want peoples input,” he said. “It’s OK to disagree but be professional.”
Harris said there is a request for proposals for the overpass project on the south side of Fort Scott. The commission will be applying for state and federal funds for the project.
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, said they have been working on a Star Bond and TIF project south of town, and it will be “huge to the community.” His office is at the former Mercy Hospital building, now owned by Legacy Health Foundation.
Kari West, Lead Customer Solutions Manager at Evergy, said the utility company hasn’t had an increase in five years and they are requesting one. Evergy purchased property north and west of their current location on Skubitz Plaza with plans to move to that site.
The Fort Scott Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet at Lyons Realty Group,, 8 E. Wall, on July 11.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, July 6th at 8 a.m. hosted by Friends of Fort Scott NHS. The Chamber Coffee will be at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and will be in the park’s Theater on the second floor of the Infantry Barracks just west, to the left, of the Visitor Center. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to be a friend of the National Historic Site and their primary purpose is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy and research. To do that they need to raise funds and they raise funds through their Flag Subscription Program.
They are promoting the Wahzhazhe Osage ballet which is to be preformed at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of the Fort Scott Community College on July 21st at 7:30pm, and July 22nd at 3:00pm and 7:30pm. The rich history of the Osage Nation is brought to life in a stunningly beautiful stage performance using traditional drums, costumes, and contemporary dance. The heart-pounding drumbeats, rhythmic dancing, and compelling stories of Wahzhazhe are sure to delight dancing enthusiasts and history fans of all ages.
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
Fort Scott Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and 2nd, we will fire artillery, host interpretive programs/discussions addressing the differences between officers and enlisted men, lead Fort tours, and play historic games. Join Ranger Jessica for a nature walk on Saturday and Tuesday. The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. will be serving free ice cream at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
On Tuesday July 4th, black powder programs will continue with artillery demonstrations and a special program/discussion on the meanings of the Declaration of Independence.
SATURDAY, JULY 1
9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
11:30 a.m. – Homemade Ice Cream (Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.)
Noon – Historic Games
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion
SUNDAY, JULY 2
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Historic Games
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Rank has Privileges: Interpretive Discussion
TUESDAY, JULY 4
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – We Hold These Truths: Meanings of the Declaration of Independence Discussion
4 p.m. – Flag Retreat
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.
Fort Scott Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 3, 2023. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9 am – 4 pm. And meet at the park Visitor Center. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Flash Flood: Westward Expansion Discussion
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Democracy Run Wild: Bleeding Kansas Discussion
4 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
Throughout the Day:
What’s in my backpack? A discussion about what a soldier needs on patrol on the prairie.
A discussion around the Underground Railroad.
From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm 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.
Photo credit: National Park Service. Staff and community members set up the Field of Honor in 2022.
Symbols of Sacrifice, an annual event at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, was started about 10 years ago to commemorate those killed in wars the U.S. has fought in.
The first event was organized by the late Anne Emerson and the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site and was on Sept. 11, 2013.
“The Symbols of Sacrifice event began in 2013 (http://www.friendsofthefort.com/2013/08/symbols-of-sacrifice.html) with events around September 11th developed by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS,” said Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management. “It has occurred on September 11th until 2018 when it was moved to July 4th for that year. Beginning in 2019 we moved the event to Memorial weekend to be more inclusive of everyone who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.”
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and originated in the years following the Civil War, becoming an official federal holiday in 1971, according to a FSNHS press release.
The Field of Honor with its approximately 7,000 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free, according to the press release.
Volunteers Needed
Members of the community are invited to join the Fort Scott National Historic Site park staff in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor on Friday morning, tomorrow, May 26, according to the press release.
Volunteers, individuals and groups, are asked to plan on working from 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. Volunteers are also asked to help remove the display on Tuesday, May 30, according to the press release.
To find out more and to become involved, please contact the park at 620-223-0310, email us at [email protected], or just come out and help.
Symbols of Sacrifice continues the entire Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 26 through, Monday, May 29, and the Field of Honor will be open throughout the weekend, according to the press release.
There will be guided fort tours daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is an all-weather event.
Fort Scott National Historic Site
About the Fort
From April 1 to September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.
The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 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 Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.
Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in a row. Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.
This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.
From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm 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.
There will be plenty to keep a family interested in life at the Fort during the American Civil War era.
“Experience it Without Needing to Enlist!,” according to a press release from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The Fort is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 15 and 16, this Saturday and Sunday. One can experience artillery, cavalry, and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, and be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, acoustic Americana-Folk act.
The Vogts sisters from their website.
“We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holmes Brigade, Boy Scout Troop 0114, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Cavalry Troop, and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Superintendent Jill Jaworski. in a press release. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”
Saturday: join the discussion with author and historian Isaias McCaffrey about the Indian Home Guard, find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period, sit on the Officer’s front porch and learn about sewing and crocheting, be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, and baking bread in the bakery, according to the press release.
Sunday: play authentic lawn games and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The weekend is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
9 a.m. Raising the Colors with the Boy Scout Troop 0114
9:30 a.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
10m. Cavalry Program
10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
11 a.m. Isaias McCaffrey- Indian Home Guard Program
Noon Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
1 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
2 p.m. Cavalry Program
2:30 p.m. Women in the Army Discussion
3 p.m. Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
4 p.m. Flag Retreat with Troop 0114
5 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
8 p.m. Night Sky Program with the Kansas Astronomical Observers
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
9 a.m. Raising the Colors
10 a.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
11 a.m. Infantry Dress Parade, Drill, and Weapons Demonstration
Noon Cavalry Program
1 p.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
2 p.m. Life as a Refugee Discussion
2:30 p.m. Cavalry Program
3 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
3:30 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
4 p.m. Flag Retreat
You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun, according to the press release.
Summer Hours of Operation
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open for its summer hours of operation: daily from 8 a.m. – 5 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
About The Fort and the National Parks System
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 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 over 420 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.
