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Fort Scott NHS

Post Headquarters

Adjutant's Office

Ordnance Storeroom

Commandant's Office

Court Martial Room

The headquarters building was home to the commanding officer, adjutant, and the ordnance sergeant. This is also where all court-martials were conducted in a room adjacent to the Commandant's Office. During the time of Bleeding Kansas (1855-1861), this building was owned by Dr. Blake Little, who ran a general store at this site. In December 1858, Dr. Little's son, John, was killed by Montgomery's raiders while he was trying to look through the transom above the door. The adjutant, who serves as the assistant to the commanding officer, had his office located just inside the front door of Headquarters. The adjutant was responsible for keeping the records of the post and serving the commander as needed. This position was appointed by the commanding officer. The 1841 regulations stated that the person should show discretion in handling sensitive material and be familiar with all military protocol. All orders were copied by hand at the four person desk located in the adjutant's office. Normally, a few non-commissioned officers assisted the adjutant by completing various clerical duties. This desk and the 1830s secretary (cupboard) were used for filing all of the post records and could be disassembled to be carried from one post to another in wagons.