Spring Civil War Encampment

Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 18 and 19, 2026.  Join us each day to experience cavalry, artillery, and infantry 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!

Encampment Program Schedule: 
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 am 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.

Fees

This event is Free and open to the public.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 47.694970, -82.499080

Schedule

Contact Information

Visitor Center
620-223-0310
Contact Us

Event Type

• Cultural/Craft Demonstration
• Living History
• Volunteer Event