News Release

Born into Slavery & Forged in the Fires of War

Calvin Osborne

News Release Date: September 15, 2025

Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting author, historical researcher, and Civil War reenactor Calvin L. Osborne on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the East Infantry Barracks, where he will share an epic story of a once-enslaved man who fought for freedom, helped shape a nation, and unknowingly laid a foundation for generations to come.

The pre–Civil War South story follows Osborne’s great-great-grandfather’s journey from bondage to the battlefield, through the Battle of Westport, the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, into his new life in Kansas.

Mr. Osborne explores the world of African Americans labeled as “contraband,” freed slaves who were neither fully free nor protected. Osborne brings to light the triumphs and tragedies of a people caught between bondage and liberation, family and fate, heartbreak and hope.

By day, Osborne is a practicing real estate attorney and has more than two decades of experience in law and real estate development. He is a student of African American military history and heritage, participating in reenactments to honor the courage and sacrifice of black soldiers. His research into genealogy and primary documents unearthed the real-life love story between his great-great-grandparents, William and Lucinda Lacy.