News Release

Fort Scott National Historic Site to host Annual Civil War Encampment

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 13, 2026
Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

Fort Scott National Historic Site will host its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 18 and 19, 2026. Join us each day to experience cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops drilling and preparing for battle in the summer of 1861. Talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, and speak with volunteers portraying some of the men and women who provided support to the troops and operations during the Civil War. Listen to the Second Hand Strings musical performance, learn about Civil War medicine, bread baking, and challenge your family or friends to tug-o-war and other historic lawn games. The weekend is full of adventure for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

• 9 a.m.: Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
• 9:30 a.m.: Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 10 a.m.: Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
• 10:30 a.m.: Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
• 11 a.m.: Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
• 11:30 a.m.: Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• Noon: Second Hand Strings Musical Performance (Hospital Porch)
• 1 p.m.: Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
• 2 p.m.: Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 3 p.m.: Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
• 4 p.m.: Flag Retreat (Garrison Flagpole)
• 4:30 p.m.: Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

• 9 a.m.: Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
• 9:30 a.m.: Historic Church Service (Dragoon Barracks)
• 10 a.m.: Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
• 10:30 a.m.: Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 11 a.m.: Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
• 11:30 a.m.: Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 1 p.m.: Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (meet at Visitor Center)
• 1:30 p.m.: Infantry Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 2 p.m.: Civil War Medicine (next to Post Hospital)
• 2:30 p.m.: Cavalry Program (next to Stables)
• 3:30 p.m.: Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)
• 4 p.m.: Flag Retreat (Garrison Flagpole)
• 4:30 p.m.: Artillery Weapons Demonstration (Black Powder Area)

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: civil war, event, infantry, artillery, cavalry, volunteers, fort, fort scott national historic site

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