(Music playing)
(Gradually becoming more prominent, we hear the sound of footsteps and the murmur of human voices.)
' my understanding they're selling the buildings"
“… I’m going to bid on the officers’ quarters today.”
" Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for turning out this fine morning
the United States Army (auctioneer voice fades as narrator begins speaking)
I know auctions. I’ve done lots of 'em.
Auctioneer: ..has authorized me to sell to the highest bidder..
By their very nature they are the sign of one thing ending and another beginning.
Auctioneer: ..along with their contents and artifacts...
Fort Scott was no different. The auction here in 1855 symbolized one dream dying and another being born.
Auctioneer...you all know the proud history...
By 1853, the Fort had served its purpose as a military outpost on the Indian frontier.
And in ’55, I was sent by the U.S. Army to sell the buildings and their remaining contents.
Auctioneer.. so without further adieu
we wil begin with this beautiful stables behind me
Who will start with the bidding?
Do I have 75 dollars, 75, anybody,...Yes sir, 75 dollars
Moving on up to 100, 100 dollars...Yes sir. Do I hear 200 dollars?
200 dollars for these beautiful dragoon stables behind me...
(Auctioneer voice fades)