Fort Scott
During the Civil War Fort Scott was divided, with “pro-slavers” living on the east side of town and “free-staters” living on the west side. After the war, the town became a leading city of eastern Kansas and challenged Kansas City's standing as the largest rail center west of the Mississippi River.
The town's many handsome commercial buildings and elegant Victorian residences were built from the 1850s to the 1920s. Narrated shuttle tours of historic Fort Scott depart hourly on Friday from 11-2 and Saturday 10-3 from March to October. Tours also are available on Friday and Saturday in November; call the information center for tour times.
Fort Scott was the boyhood home and is the final resting place of Gordon Parks, director of the popular 1970s film “Shaft.”
Visitor Centers
Fort Scott Chamber & Tourism Center 231 E. Wall St. Fort Scott, KS 66701. Phone:(620)223-3566 or (800)245-3678
Self-guiding Tours
A free brochure detailing a historic walking tour of downtown is available from the tourism center.