March To Glory-Holmes Brigade-Schedule of Events

Come join us at Fort Scott National Historic Site in celebrating the 150th anniversary of Kansas statehood on Saturday, January 29, 2011. Kansas became the newest State in the Union on January 29, 1861. On that fateful day, Captain Nathaniel Lyon began preparations to leave Fort Scott on his mission to protect the federal arsenal in St. Louis as the nation edged closer to Civil War.  

Throughout both Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30, living history volunteers will recreate the fractious situation prevalent in the fledgling yet growing town of Fort Scott between 1858 and early 1861. At that time, the town of Fort Scott was centered on the former military post with the Western Hotel (or pro-slavery hotel) in the former infantry barracks directly across from the Fort Scott Hotel (or free-state hotel) in a former officer's quarters. Both hotels will open for business at 9 a.m. each day. At 11:30 a.m. on both days the divisiveness will spill out onto the parade ground. As the situation escalates, the U.S. Army forces temporarily stationed in town are summoned to keep the peace. 

These army regulars are portrayed by reenactors from the Holmes Brigade, USV, which has partnered with Fort Scott National Historic Site for the last 25 years. They will have a period correct, working military camp set up for the public to walk through and ask about mid-19th century military life. At 10 a.m. Saturday, January 29, you are invited to attend a press conference with Captain Nathaniel Lyon as portrayed by Dannon Scott. Captain Lyon will field questions from the audience about his feelings on Kansas Statehood and the secession crises in the southern states. The weekend will conclude at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 30, with a recreation of Captain Lyon's company forming up to march to the railhead at Sedalia, Missouri, with farewell speeches given by local dignitaries of the time.

At 12:30 p.m., the National Historic Site, in partnership with the American Legion and the City of Fort Scott, will raise the Patriot Flag in front of Fort Scott National Historic Site. This massive 30 x 50 foot version of the Stars and Stripes is scheduled to fly in all 50 states as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan between September 2010 and September 2011 as a poignant tribute to the men and women who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Following this program, come to the park and celebrate "The Birthday Bash" celebrating 150 years of Kansas Statehood. Special speakers will commemorate and reflect upon Kansas heritage as you enjoy a piece of a specially designed birthday cake by nationally renowned cake artist Rebecca Sutterby. Following the ceremony, enjoy 19th Century music performed the The Gum Springs Serenaders. 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an entrance fee of $3.00 for each adult 16 and over. Children 15 and under are admitted free of charge. For more information call the site at 620-223-0310.

A schedule of activities for the weekend is listed below. 

Saturday, January 29, 2011

• 8:00 a.m. – Military camps open to public; roll call; drill; orders of the day.  
• 9:00 a.m. - 'A Tale of Two Hotels': Fort Scott and Western Hotels open for business. 
• 10:00 a.m. - 'Lyon Meets the Press': Capt. Nathaniel Lyon meets with newspaper correspondents. 
• 11:30 a.m. - 'Seeding Civil War: Violence and Political Discourse in Bleeding Kansas': Free-state and pro-slavery partisans interact on parade ground, military summoned to keep peace. 
• 1:00 p.m. - 'A State Born in Strife': Celebration of Kansas' admission to the Union as the 34th State 
• 2:00 p.m. - "Nathaniel Lyon and the Union Cause in Missouri, 1861" – Dr. Bill Piston 
• 3:00 p.m. – "Concert":  Music by the Gum Springs Serenaders 
• 4:00 p.m. - Military retreat formation and flag lowering. Hotels closed for business. 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

• 8:00 a.m. – Military camps open to public; roll call; drill; orders of the day. 34 Star flag raising. 
• 9:00 a.m. - 'A Tale of Two Hotels': Fort Scott and Western Hotels open for business. 
• 10:00 a.m. - 'Maintaining Order & Discipline': Military formation to demote/promote corporals and deal with deserters. 
• 11:30 a.m. - 'Seeding Civil War: Violence and Political Discourse in Bleeding Kansas': Free-state and pro-slavery partisans interact on parade ground, military summoned to keep peace. 
• 2:00 p.m. -'Lyon's March Toward Destiny': Military formed to march to Sedalia. Speeches, well wishes and thanks by period civilians to Captain Lyon and his men.