With the war behind, the nation resumed its westward expansion. The growth of steam locomotion
and the potential for a vast network of rails that spanned the continent helped move this
dream along.
(train bell ringing)
“(Railroads across the continent) will annihilate distance, along with ignorance, want and barbarism
…who can oppose such a work?”
The dreams of Fort Scott’s leaders that railroads would spur the town’s economic
growth reflected the national fervor.
In Kansas, railroad companies saw opportunities to increase trade by expanding to the Gulf
of Mexico. As they built south of Fort Scott, conflict over land rights arose.
Railroad workers encountered violent protest from settlers living on the land.
“I was determined to fight (the railroads) until hell froze over and then fight it out on the ice.”
The U.S. Army returned to protect the railroad interests.
“There is a strong and almost undisguised hostility toward the troops… solely because
… the Military have been made the tool of a corrupt body of speculators.”
When the dispute was settled in 1873 in favor of the railroads,
the Army left Fort Scott for the last time.
When they first came, they arrived by horse-drawn wagons down the military road.
Now they left by train under the power of steam.
(sounds of train whistles as train moves down the tracks)