America
as a nation was founded on the dreams of freedom and democracy, but
the Civil War threatened those dreams as it tore the nation apart. The
Civil War brought upheaval and change to all Americans. At Fort Scott,
the iron heel of war left its imprint on those who lived and fought
in this area. This year's Candlelight Tour will focus on the stories
of soldiers and civilians whose lives were transformed by war. Participate
in this year's tour and witness six different scenes which will combine
to bring to life Fort Scott's important role during the Civil War.
Experience the fervor and enthusiasm of leading citizens of the town
of Fort Scott in the first scene as they recruit people (tour participants)
to be in one of three companies of home guards to defend Fort Scott
against a Confederate invasion.
Prepare
for a crusade in the second scene, as Union forces are organizing an
expedition to Indian Territory in June of 1862 to drive out Confederate
forces and recapture the homelands of American Indians who were displaced
because of the war. Supply wagons are being loaded in preparation for
the campaign. A key component of this scene will be the discussion of
Indian soldiers who joined the army to assist the Union cause.
In the third scene on the tour, empathize with Civil War soldiers in
the Trans -Mississippi West who spent years away from their families
and homes. Drawing upon the journal of Charles Porter, a soldier stationed
at Fort Scott during the war, participants in this scene will reflect
the sacrifices and longing for home that soldiers would have felt. While
discussing the up and coming Christmas, they will be sharing some personal
experiences they have had at Fort Scott and the surrounding area.
The
pride and courage of African American soldiers at Fort Scott during
the Civil War is the focus of the fourth scene on the tour. The First
Kansas Colored Infantry, mustered into the army at Fort Scott in January
of 1863, compiled a proud combat record and served with honor. During
this scene, experience the joy these soldiers felt at the news of emancipation
and the anticipation of being able to serve in the cause of freedom.
The
suffering and weariness of war will highlight the fifth scene on the
tour-a hospital scene. Throughout the war, medical personnel at Fort
Scott treated many sick and wounded soldiers-both Union and Confederate.
To assist with their care and comfort, the hospital staff recruited
many women of the town. The poignant story of one woman, Emma Morley,
will be illustrated in a scene that includes the surgeon, the chaplain,
a Sanitary Commission Agent and women of the Ladies Hospital Aid Society.
In the final scene, honor the veterans of war as they come together
in a reunion of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry. Soldiers will reminisce about
the time they spent at Fort Scott and their contributions to the Union
war effort.
Throughout the Civil War, soldiers of many different backgrounds passed
through Fort Scott. Through their efforts, they maintained Fort Scott
as an important Union supply base, which contributed to the overall
Union victory. The Civil War changed the nation and the lives of soldiers
and civilians at Fort Scott. Fort Scott emerged from the war as a prosperous
town and the nation emerged as a land where the dream of freedom could
be extended to all.
