Fort Scott, KS

The Fort Scott National Historic Site is named after Winfield Scott, a distinguished general during the Mexican-American War in 1846-1848. The historic site was established on the American frontier to protect settlers migrating west from the Eastern United States. The fort had a dual purpose – to protect the settlers from the Plains Indians and to protect the Indians from encroachment by the settlers. It also saw service during the American Civil War. When you visit the site today you can see a collection of surviving buildings including several barracks, a military hospital, stables and more. There are several interpretive exhibits which bring the pioneer days of the 1840’s to life. After touring the site you can take a self-guided hike through the surrounding tall-grass prairie.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Old Fort Boulevard, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Phone: 620-223-0310

The Lowell Milkin Center for Unsung Heroes is a really unique attraction in Fort Scott. The center was established as an educational facility to encourage students and educators to research and highlight unsung heroes from all walks of life. To find out more about the many unsung heroes throughout history who were brave enough to take extraordinary actions to improve the lives of their fellow men, visitors can take a tour of the Hall of Unsung Heroes Museum which is open to the public from Monday to Saturday. Hopefully, visitors will leave with a new perspective of the amazing positive consequences that can occur due to a single person standing up to effect change.

The Lowell Milkin Center for Unsung Heroes, 1 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Phone: 620-223-1312

The inspirational Gordon Parks Museum was established to showcase the life and works of the internationally acclaimed photographer, writer, film maker and musician, Gordon Parks, who was born in Fort Scott in 1912. The museum strives to honor this distinguished self-taught artist who brought the world’s attention to issues such as civil rights, race-relations, poverty and urban life in general. The Museum contains many of his accolades and personal effects including personal photos, medals, honorary degrees and other awards. You will also be able to admire a collection of 30 of his most famous photos. The Museum is open to the public from Monday to Friday during the regular academic year.

Gordon Parks Museum, Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Phone: 620-223-2700

Of special interest to history buffs and Civil War historians, the Fort Scott National Cemetery holds the distinction of being the first listed U.S. National Cemetery. The cemetery started as a small burial plot adjacent to Fort Scott in 1842. During the Civil War the cemetery became the final resting place of many Civil War soldiers who died in battles in the area. Later many other interments were moved to the cemetery from other areas and today there are more than 7000 military veterans buried there. The cemetery is still in operation today and all veterans and their immediate families are entitled to be laid to rest here.

Fort Scott National Cemetery, 900 E National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Phone: 620-223-2840