Fort Scott National Historic Site - Civil War Encampment (U.S. National Park Service)

Soldiers at Civil War Encampment held at Fort Scott in 2006

NPS Photo

Civil War Reenactors during Civil War Encampment at Fort Scott in April 2006.

Welcome to the twenty-seventh annual Civil War Encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site. On the weekend of April 18 & 19 you will be able to meet and talk to reenactors portraying army personnel and civilians, men and women, at Fort Scott during the Civil War. You will thrill to the rattle of bayonets and marvel at the grace of the dashing mounted soldiers.

This year you will also see the other side of the otherwise gallant men who were caught up in the horrors of war. You will hear of the strict military discipline that was all too often imposed upon our men in blue. You will witness the Court-Martial of one young man charged with desertion. What is his defense? Will he be found guilty? If so, what will be his punishment? Come and see as this year’s Civil War Encampment focuses on Military Justice in the Civil War. This year’s activities will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, and end on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m.

It is all too easy to think of the Civil War soldiers as being courageous, honest, and dedicated to their duty. Alas, such was not always the case. Many minor offenses and some major ones were all too often committed by soldiers on both sides. Drunkenness, fighting, dereliction of duty, theft, desertion and cowardice were the most common incidents for which a man could be court-martialed.

Saturday’s activities will feature the court-martial of Private John Summers, who was charged with the crime of desertion. This trial will begin at 1 p.m. At 11 a.m. the renowned author and speaker Diane Eickhoff will present a talk entitled “Strong-minded Women, Lincoln, and the Civil War”. Following this excellent presentation, historian and administrator of Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Arnold Schofield will present a talk on Military Justice in the Civil War.

There will be various other programs throughout the day including small arms demonstrations. The day will conclude with a special evening program at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday’s activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the posting of the colors followed by a period church service at 11 a.m. At noon volunteer and reenactor Harold Sites will present a program on Civil War medicine. Infantry and cavalry troops will be giving demonstrations of their respective branches of the Army at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The day’s activities will conclude with a talk on military justice by local historian and administrator of Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Arnold Schofield.

Come to Fort Scott National Historic Site on April 18 and 19, and “Rally ‘Round the Flag” to support our brave men in blue.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. There is an admission charge of $3.00 for adults age 16 and over. Children are admitted free of charge. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes are honored and sold here. For more information call the site at 620-223-0310.

Schedule of Activities

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

9:00 a.m. – Colors Posted
10:00 a.m. – Cavalry Drill
10:30 a.m. – Infantry Drill
11:00 a.m. – Interpretive Talk – Strong Minded Women, Lincoln & the Civil War
12:00 p.m. – Interpretive Talk – Military Justice
1:00 p.m. – Trial of Private Summers
2:00 p.m. – Cavalry Drill
3:00 p.m. – Infantry Drill (weapons demo)
4:00 p.m. – Flag Retreat
6:30 p.m. - Special Evening Program - TBA

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

9:00 a.m. – Colors Posted
11:00 a.m. – Church Services
12:00 p.m. – Civil War Medicine Program
1:00 p.m. – Cavalry Drill
2:00 p.m. – Infantry Drill
3:00 p.m. – Interpretive Talk – Military Justice