Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic was impacted by the sub-zero temperatures last week when a fire suppression line valve and pipe failed and ruptured on Saturday, February 20, 2021 around 6:30pm in the Dragoons Barracks. The rupture caused flooding in the attic space, the exhibit area on the second floor, and the Laundress, Married Non-Commissioned Officer’s quarters, and the mechanical room on the first floor.

“The park is currently assessing the damages and undergoing a thorough inspection of the building, its fire suppression system, and electrical systems,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We are also working closely with the regional Museum Curator and Harpers Ferry Center’s Museum Curation staff on how to best conserve and store affected museum objects and artifacts.” The Dragoons Barracks monitoring system has been restored but the building will remain closed through the assessment and rehabilitation process.

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 historic buildings 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. 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.