Relive History in Fort Scott
Relive history in Fort Scott. Whether you’re into Kansas history, war history, or just plain ol’ history, Fort Scott has something for every history buff!
Better bring you’re walking shoes, because you’ve got some shopping to do. Downtown Fort Scott has a handful of antique stores that you MUST visit. After all what history buff doesn’t like a bit of treasure hunting?
You’ll find antiques, decor, gifts, flea market troves, collectables, primitives, and more! Step away from your online shopping, and find something unique instead! These shops offer all of the one-of -a-kind pieces you need in your life. And the best part? Absolutely no one else will have them! Find a full list of shops in Downtown.
For dinner Friday night, you shouldn’t miss a stop at Crooner’s. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Fort Scott the menu offers something for everyone, from gourmet salads, to fresh seafood and everything in between! Don’t forget to grab one of their LEGENDARY Mojitos! They are ridiculous! You can thank us later..
Did we mention there is a historic theatre just right next door? If you’re here on the right weekend you might even get to catch a show! Keep an eye on our events calendar for details! But even if there isn’t a show, we still suggest popping your head into the The Liberty Theatre which originally opened it’s doors in 1941. All you have to do is ask!
When choosing a room we know you’ll love the historic Courtland Hotel! Built in 1906, the Courtland Hotel and Spa has a rich heritage of welcoming travelers to Fort Scott, dating back to the town’s old railroad days. The Courtland delivers accommodations celebrating the grandeur of generations past.
If you prefer somewhat newer accommodations, the Sleep Inn & Suites, or Rodeway Inn might be more your style. Don’t worry, you’ll still enjoy all the ambiance of historic downtown Fort Scott from either of these options, located just across the street from the historic district. See all the lodging options available in Fort Scott.
Saturday morning you’re going to need to get started early! You’ve got a lot to see if you’re going to relive history in Fort Scott! Start with a stroll through downtown. A historic Walking Trail is coming our way soon, but for now our digital version will have to do! At this point you’ve probably already spied the Fort Scott National Historic Site. If not, you should get your eyes checked, because it’s kind of the cornerstone of our downtown.
“Promises made and broken! A town attacked at dawn! Thousands made homeless by war! Soldiers fighting settlers! Each of these stories is a link in the chain of events that encircled Fort Scott from 1842-1873. All of the site’s structures, its parade ground, and its tallgrass prairie bear witness to this era when the country was forged from a young republic into a united transcontinental nation.”
You can spend an hour, or an entire day in this incredible historic site. But when you do decide to move on, you don’t want to miss a stop at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Follow Irena Sendler as she rescues 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto, walk in the steps of the Little Rock Nine, and explore space with Gene Shoemaker. It’s a hall full of unsung heroes who created a positive change in history, who didn’t receive the recognition they deserved.
Once you’ve left the Lowell Milken Center, we recommend a trip to the Gordon Parks Museum. Gordon Parks, the Fort Scott native was a renaissance man of sorts. He was an internationally known writer, musician, director, and poet, among other things. Maybe you know him from his massive box office hit, ‘Shaft’, or his iconic photos of Muhammad Ali?
After a full day of historical exploration may we recommend a bite to eat at Papa Don’s Pizza? With fresh ingredients, hand tossed crust, AND it’s located inside of a historic building to boot. Need we say more? Just in case, we totally will say more.. This locally owned Fort Scott favorite is dishing out the BEST pizza in Kansas. Just take our word for it. You should also trust us when we tell you that you can’t leave this place without sampling an order of the B’s Italian Sticks. You’re welcome.
Before leaving Fort Scott be sure to at least take a drive through Fort Scott National Cemetery No. 1. Originally the Presbyterian Graveyard, the National Cemetery was established by Congress in 1862. It became one of the first 14 national cemeteries to be designated as such. By luck of the draw it was named No. 1. Not to brag or anything…..
Eugene Fitch Ware, a noted Kansas poet, is buried in Grave 1 in the heart-shaped section of the cemetery. Ware was a Connecticut native who moved to Ft. Scott at the age of 26 in 1867 and spent the remainder of his life in Kansas. Ware served in the 7th Iowa Cavalry during the Civil War and was based at Ft. Scott. After the war, he entered the bar and practiced law at Ft. Scott and became active in Kansas politics. Ware achieved fame as a poet writing under the pseudonym, “Ironquill.” He was a prolific poet and some of his most famous works include “The Washerwoman’s Song” and “John Brown.” A large native sandstone boulder marks Ware’s grave. The natural beauty of this boulder impressed Ware and one of his final requests was that it be used as his grave marker. Also interred at Fort Scott National Cemetery are the remains of 16 Native American soldiers–all privates in the Indian Regiments of the Union Army who served as invaluable scouts.
There you have it. Plenty to see, and not much time to see it in! Relive history in Fort Scott!