Fort Scott Parade Ground

Autumn at Fort Scott

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

All around you lays the parade ground, originally enclosed by twelve buildings. The enclosed area provided some protection to the fort's water supply and black powder stores.

The parade ground served as the U.S. Army's showcase. Officers constantly sought to instill a sense of pride in the enlisted soldiers, and on these grounds, that pride had to be demonstrated. Military inspections, assembly, flag ceremonies and guard mounting that took place here were all times when soldiers were required to look top notch and be on their best behavior. Their performance here reflected how they would conduct themselves in battle where pride, discipline, organization, and training all combined to make the U.S. Army an efficient fighting force.