Category Archives: History

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

Dee Young along with Wayne and Barrett Young will provide the music and instruction for the Civil War Camp Dance to be held at Memorial Hall on April 20.

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20.  The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.

Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past.  All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.

This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.

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.

Adamson’s Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Courtland Hotel Ownership

Frank and Cheryl Adamson from her Facebook page.

Frank and Cheryl Adamson are celebrating 20 years as hoteliers in Fort Scott.

They purchased the Courtland Hotel, at First and Scott Avenue in the historic district of Fort Scott in 2004.

The hotel is located at  121 E. First St, Fort Scott.

“We purchased the historic hotel here in downtown Fort Scott to expand Cheryl’s day spa business,” Frank said. “She started doing massage therapy as a side gig that grew into the need for additional space. We utilize around 2,500 square feet of the hotel’s ground floor, for the Courtland Spa and Salon.” They employ seven people.

The Courtland Spa door is west of the main door of the hotel at 121 E. First.

“There have been so many things that have blessed us in ownership and operating the historic hotel in downtown Fort Scott it’s hard to pick out one thing,” he said. “Seeing and being part of the resurgence of downtown has been amazing. We have developed an appreciation for downtown’s impact on the community, what Fort Scott’s history is, and the impact it made on Western expansion. The historic hotel of course is a functioning hotel, circa 1906. With guests coming from all over the world to see it and stay in it. We get to share some of the local history and make a new friend.”

History of the Courtland

The Courtland Hotel was built in 1906 to accommodate people using the railroad traffic through the town.

The plaque on the  Courtland Hotel notes there was an Adams and Pacific Express Co., a tailor shop, the Cooper Restaurant, and a boarding house at one time housed in the building.

But today it offers a day spa that includes massage therapy service, a hair salon and manicures/pedicures, and internet service for its customers.

The Courtland Hotel, 121 E. First.

The hotel was recently featured in Kansas Magazine as a historic Kansas hotel, here are a few excerpts from that article:

“The first 50 to 60 years of this business, the lodging was essentially for men only,” Frank says, adding the hotel mostly housed railroad engineers and brakemen who brought the trains into town, spent the night, and reported back to work to replace the crews coming in on returning trains the next day. “The guys staying in these hotels were the same guys all the time.

“The building was originally constructed with six storefronts on the first floor to accommodate retail and wholesale businesses; the upper level had lodging rooms and a tailor shop. When the number of trains declined, the hotel eventually was used as a dormitory for a flight school before slipping into darkness.

“Seeing its potential, the Adamsons awakened the building from its sleep. Today, its exterior remains as it looked in 1906, and the lobby inside retains its 14-foot tin ceilings and other architectural features. Guests and local residents enjoy the main level’s 2,500-square-foot, full-service day spa the couple added in a way that maintains the unique building’s historical significance,” according to the Kansas Magazine article.

 

 

 

 

How was Life at Fort Scott During the Civil War

 

Experience it Without Needing to Enlist!

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 20 and 21, 2024.  Join us each day to experience artillery, cavalry, and infantry troops drilling, preparing for battle, and firing their weapons, talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, and learn about the process of tintype photography.

 

“We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holmes Brigade, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Cavalry Troop, and plenty of new and returning Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Superintendent Jill Jaworski. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”

 

On Saturday: hear the true story of abolitionist James Montgomery and his war on slavery in the authors discussion of his book Abolitionist of the Most Dangerous Kind, by Todd Mildfelt and David D. Schafer, learn about Jennison’s Jayhawkers 7th Kansas Cavalry from historian Arnold Schofield, smell bread baking, learn about Civil War medicine and the evolution of weapons, and be serenaded by the Prairie Sunflower Strings!

 

On Sunday: learn about tintype photography and its process, discuss Civil War medicine, and join a guided tour of the fort. The weekend is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!

 

Encampment Schedule:

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

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 (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 9:30 a.m.   Infantry Drill and 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.       Authors David Schafer and Todd Mildfelt: Abolitionists of the Most Dangerous Kind (Infantry Barracks Theater)
  • Noon          Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 1 p.m.         Prairie Sunflowers Strings Musical Performance (Hospital Porch)
  • 1:30 p.m.    Lunette Blair Discussion (Meet at the Lunette Blair on Skubitz Plaza)
  • 2 p.m.         Cavalry Program (Next to Stables)
  • 3 p.m.         Arnold Schofield: Jennison’s Jayhawkers 7th Kansas Cavalry
  • 4 p.m.         Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
  • 4:30 p.m.    Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 6 p.m.         Camp Dance (Memorial Hall)

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

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 (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.  Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 11 a.m.       Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • Noon          Cavalry Program (Next to Stables)
  • 1 p.m.         Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
  • 1:30 p.m.    Lunette Blair Discussion (Meet at the Lunette Blair on Skubitz Plaza)
  • 2:00 p.m.    1st Kansas Program (Infantry Barracks Theater)
  • 3 p.m.         Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 3:30 p.m.    Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
  • 4 p.m.         Flag Retreat (Garrison Flagpole)

 

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-

 

North American Travel Journalists Award Kansas a Bronze Award for “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy”

Kansas Tourism Triumphs with Four Marketing Awards, Highlighting Excellence in Destination Promotion

TOPEKA – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) recently announced that Kansas Tourism received four awards in the 32nd Annual NATJA Awards Competition. The competition honors the best of the best in travel journalism, photography and destination marketing organizations. This recognition underscores Kansas Tourism’s dedication to innovative destination marketing and its commitment to showcasing the state as a premier travel destination.

“Kansas Tourism’s award-winning efforts in inspiring travelers to explore our state are pivotal to our image and growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Every visitor represents a potential resident or business connection, and elevating Kansas as an attractive destination ensures lasting benefits for all communities.”

The four awards presented to Kansas Tourism include:

  • Destination of the Year Award: This special recognition honors Kansas Tourism for its unwavering dedication to innovative tourism marketing strategies and captivating the attention of travelers worldwide. Kansas Tourism was chosen for their overall 2023 marketing campaigns, which all used the brand messaging of To The Stars, and included the Kansas Day release of the “Home on the Range” project and the “To The Stories” video series.
  • Creative Marketing Campaign, Gold Award: “Home on the Range.” This campaign celebrates the uniqueness of Kansas through a series of videos set to the state’s iconic song and featured images of the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Featuring five well-known Kansas artists, this campaign, which was launched on Kansas Day 2023, showcases how the lyrics written more than 150 years ago still ring true today. You can see the full campaign here.
  • Destination Video, Bronze Award: “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy.” This video is part of Kansas Tourism’s “To The Stories” series, which explores the faces and places that make Kansas an incredible place to visit and live. It explores Gordon Parks, who dedicated his life to combating racism and poverty through art, and how the lessons he learned on his family farm in Fort Scott helped him to become the first Black photojournalist on staff at LIFE magazine and the first African American to direct a major motion picture. Academy Award winning screenwriter and fellow Kansas native Kevin Willmott narrates the remarkably true story of how Parks opened doors for Black filmmakers everywhere. You can watch the video here.
  • Travel Guide, Honorable Mention Award: “Kansas Official Travel Guide 2023.” The annual Kansas Travel Guide invites readers to explore the Sunflower State’s diverse things to do, including attractions, museums, dining, accommodations, historic sites and outdoor adventures. Filled with captivating imagery and insightful narratives, this guide beckons travelers to discover the treasures within Kansas’ vibrant cities, historic towns, rolling plains and expansive prairies. The 2023 guide’s front cover featured a wakeboarder at Lake Perry ripping the waves, depicting one of the many unexpected activities you can find in Kansas. You can order the latest travel guide here.

“We are honored to be recognized for the work we do to inspire travel to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Winning these prestigious tourism marketing awards reaffirms our commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence in promoting unforgettable experiences in the state.”

“Submissions for this year’s awards competition included a diverse group of journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations from North America,” NATJA CEO Helen Hernandez said. “Selection of the winners by our independent panel of judges was particularly difficult this year because of the outstanding quality and broad range of articles, images and marketing campaigns submitted for consideration.”

Judges for the competition included award-winning newspaper and magazine editors as well as educators from across journalism disciplines. To qualify for an award or honor, work had to be published from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

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. 

About the North American Travel Journalist Association:

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public. NATJA also publishes TravelWorld International Magazine (www.travelworldmagazine.com).

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Black History Month Celebration: James Reese Europe

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Announces

a Grant from Humanities Kansas to Celebrate 

Unsung Hero James Reese Europe and Black History Month

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received a $300 grant from Humanities Kansas to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero – James Reese Europe.  The grant will support a special presentation by Internationally renowned musician and historian Lem Sheppard. Sheppard will present “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. Particular attention will be paid to music and musicians in historic Fort Scott! Also included are a soup lunch, music by the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson, and a cakewalk just like 100 years ago! The event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC on Thursday, February 15th, at 11:00 am.

 

The event is free, and all are welcome!

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. The Center also works to educate the local community on its past, present, and future.

 

About the Gordon Parks Museum: The Mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Celebrating Black History Month: Tribute Panel Exhibit

 

 

Fort Scott, Kan. Jan. 30, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will host “Tribute Panel Exhibit” to celebrate Black History Month. This consist of over 100 different posters, photos, and information of the some of the great and important Black innovators and Leaders throughout history. The exhibit also features some inspiring and moving quotes on display each day by different people.

 

The “Quote of the Day” provides a great opportunity to promote educational activities throughout the month to keep black history and diversity at the forefront along with encouraging opportunities to learn more.

 

The free exhibit will be on display throughout each day and evening hours from February 1 – 22, 2024 in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

 

For more information about “Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit” contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850, email [email protected] or visit http:www.gordonparkscenter.org/

 

 

 

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Celebrating Unsung Hero James Reese Europe

James Reese Europe. Submitted photo.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Announces

a Grant from Humanities Kansas to Celebrate 

Unsung Hero James Reese Europe and Black History Month

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $300 grant from Humanities Kansas to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero – James Reese Europe.

The grant will support a special presentation by Internationally renowned musician and historian Lem Sheppard.

Lem Sheppard. Submitted photo.

Sheppard will present “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. Particular attention will be paid to music and musicians in historic Fort Scott!

Also included are a soup lunch, music by the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson, and a cakewalk just like 100 years ago!

The event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC on Thursday, February 15th, at 11:00 am.

 

The event is free, and all are welcome!

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. The Center also works to educate the local community on its past, present, and future.

 

About the Gordon Parks Museum: The Mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Gordon Parks Museum…..

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Day of Service: Canned Food Drive” – Join us as we will collect

canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in

the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – “Celebration Soup Lunch” – Come and join us for free soup

followed by a music celebration performance at 1:00 p.m. Soup, drinks and dessert

provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with the “I Stand For Signs”

provided by the Lowell Milken Center. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. FREE.

1:00 p.m. – “Celebrating Every Voice” An afternoon of celebration with great gospel

hymns and inspirational music. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. FREE.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Rescheduled Due to Forecasted Weather

Fort Scott, Kan. – With inclement weather and severe cold in the forecast for Jan. 15, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Fort Scott Community College is rescheduled to Wednesday, Jan. 17.

In making the announcement, Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum noted that the “Day of Service” (in honor of King’s birthday) begins with a food drive for the Beacon Food Pantry of Fort Scott.

Canned goods and non-perishable, non-expired items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, located in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

The celebration, with all events open to the community, features a free soup lunch at noon. The lunch, provided by Great Western Dining, includes soup, drink, dessert and birthday cake. The celebration lunch also includes a “I Stand for …” photo promotion, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

An afternoon of celebration and tribute through music, “Celebrating Every Voice,” begins at 1 p.m. in the theater and features choirs from the Apostolic Christian Church and the United Missionary Baptist Church, both of Fort Scott, and blues guitarist Lem Sheppard from Pittsburg. All events are free to attend.

 

For more information, go to https//www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or call the museum at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected]

 

 

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Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Gordon Parks Museum…..

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Monday, January 15th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events

1:00pm-6:00pm – Day of Service: Canned Food Drive – Join us as we will collect canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

1:00pm-2:00pm – Showing of the PBS home video documentary “In Remembrance of Martin” in the Gordon Parks Museum. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

2:00pm-3:00pm – Showing of “Martin” – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Gordon Parks. This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King written and directed by Gordon Parks. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

5:00pm-6:00pm – Soup Dinner – Come and join us for free soup followed by a music celebration performance at 6:00pm. Soup, drinks and dessert provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with “I Stand For Signs”. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. This event is free to the public.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Wreaths Across America in Two Locations in Bourbon County in 2023

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

Two Bourbon County cemeteries will be a part of Wreaths Across America, a national program to honor U.S. Military Veterans with wreaths on their graves.

According to its website, the mission of Wreaths Across America (WAA) is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Volunteers work year-round to share this mission and inspire others to join.
Submitted graphic.
Diann Tucker is the WAA Location Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Tucker said for the last five years, there have been enough funds raised to place wreaths on all the veteran’s graves at the national cemetery.
A submitted graphic from Tucker telling of the speaker and the agenda for the ceremony.
“About 6,800 wreaths will be placed on December 16,” she said. “The ceremony starts at 10 a.m., immediately followed by the laying of the wreaths.”
“A youth group will be driving golf carts to pick up and take them back to their cars,” she said.
The Wreaths Across America transport truck will arrive from Columbia Falls, Maine, at 8 a.m. driven by a veteran.
“We can always use volunteers to off-load from the truck,” Tucker said.
Fundraising for the project is all year round.
“At $17 a wreath and 6,800 graves, it is $115,600 (in funds raised) this year,” Tucker said.
For more information contact Tucker at 620-224-7054 or 620-223-6700.
Uniontown Ruritan Club has initiated a project this year to place wreaths on the veterans in the Uniontown Cemetery.
“We began discussing this in the summer and a couple of months ago decided to move forward with it,” Mary Pemberton, spokesperson for the club said. “It is headed up by Mark Warren, Larry and Judy Jurgensen and myself.”
“Wreaths Across America started in 1992 in Arlington Cemetery and expanded from there,” Pemberton said. “Local cemeteries can participate as well. Funding is from donations and volunteers do the ceremony and lay the wreaths.”
The Uniontown ceremony will be on December 15 at 1:30 p.m.
“Schools gets out early that day and several students will help lay the wreaths,” Pemberton said. “The Uniontown High School band and choir will perform. Mark Warren will be the speaker.”
The names of the veterans will be read as the wreaths are laid.
“The public is invited and encouraged to attend,” Pemberton said.
“If any relative of a veteran in Uniontown Cemetery would like to lay the wreath on their vet’s grave they just need to let us know before to that.”
For more information contact Pemberton at 620-224-9654.

FSNHS Candlelight Tour: A History Immersion

Jessica Nielsen leads a group to each historical vignette at Fort Scott National Historic Site on December 2, 2023.

The 42nd Annual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, December 1 and 2 was entitled Glowing Heartbeats of History.

The vignettes of local history focused on the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of the soldiers and local townspeople.

The temperatures in the 40s and damp weather did not stop people from attending the tour this year.

1,000 candle lanterns illuminated the site with a peaceful ambiance and reenactors helped bring 1860s history alive at the fort.

During the tour, participants were immersed in ways people have historically been provided the opportunity to be well, despite their circumstances, according to a press release from the fort.

The Fort Scott High School Drama Club wrote the scene at the hospital tent for the tour, the other vignettes were written by the FSNHS staff, Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management said.

 

About the Fort

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.

The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or to become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

From left, Dwayne Gentleman, Dee Young, Skip Thomas, and Jan Elder converse about life in the community in the 1860s. Submitted by Carl Brenner/NPS. This vignette was at the Officers’ Quarters No. 2 and was a discussion of the budding romance of John Little and Sene Campbell and the growth of the town amidst conflict. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.

 

The fort’s well is in the center of the Fort Scott National Historic Site compound.
From left to right, Cassie Edson, Susan Anderson, and Chris Morgan depict hospital treatment of injury and disease during the Civil War.
Left to right, Justin Hall, Chris Schafer, and Amanda Clark are a group of performers called the Homes Brigade Minstrels, who portrayed the benefits of music during the Civil War. The trio led the group in singing a few Christmas carols.
From left, Luke Leighsing and Matthew Wells tell of the health of the horses and survival needs for patrolling the overland trails. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.