News Release

Experience Life at Fort Scott During the Civil War

Holms Brigade marching in formation.

NPS Photo/V. Wright

News Release Date: April 7, 2025
Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 12 and 13, 2025.  Join us each day to experience cavalry and infantry troops drilling, preparing for battle, and sharing stories of life during the Civil War. Talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, learn the process of crafting lead musket balls, and speak with volunteers portraying some of the women who provided support to the troops and operations during the Civil War. 

Long time volunteer Michelle Martin will share the incredible Civil War experience of Emma Caroline Morely.  Emma helped the women of Fort Scott care for the sick and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Mine Creek. Emma’s diminutive diary provides us with incredible information and insight about the roles of women and communities during times of war. Long time volunteer Jan Elder will share stories around the many women who participated in battles during the Civil War in “They Fought like Demons.” Listen to roving minstrels,  learn about Civil War medicine and candle making, and participate in discussions about artillery of the times. Bring the family or friends and challenge them to a tug-o-war and other play historic lawn games. Saturday evening the Friends of Fort Scott is hosting a Civil War era camp dance. The weekend is full of fun for the whole family straight from the 1800’s! 

Encampment Program Schedule:

SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.

• 9:30 a.m.           Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
• 10 a.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
• 10:30 a.m.        “They Fought Like Demons”: Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
• 11 a.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
• Noon          Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
• 1 p.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
• 1:30 p.m.          “I Thought This Place Doomed": Emma Caroline Morely's Fort Scott Service
• 2 p.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
• 3 p.m. They Fought Like Demons, Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
• 3:30 p.m.          Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
• 4:30 p.m.          Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
• 7 p.m.  Camp Dance (Memorial Hall)

SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.

• 9 a.m.  Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
• 9:30 am Historic Church Service (Near Dragoon Barracks)
• 10 a.m.  Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
• 10:30 a.m.        Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
• 11 a.m.  Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
• Noon Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
• 1 p.m.  Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
• 1:30 p.m.          “I Thought This Place Doomed": Emma Caroline Morely's Fort Scott Service
• 2 p.m.  Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
• 3:30 p.m.          Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
• 4:30 p.m.          Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Tags: news, civil war, fort, reenactment, calvary, infantry, living history, volunteer

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