Construction tour set at FSNHS

The buildings of Fort Scott National Historic Site stand today as silent witnesses of one of the most significant eras of the nation's history. The buildings serve as permanent reminders of a bygone era.

The care that went into the construction of the buildings (e.g. their materials and their design) helped ensure their permanence. The fort's designer, Capt. Thomas Swords, said his goal was to make Fort Scott the "Crack Post of the Frontier."

On Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m., staff and volunteers at Fort Scott National Historic Site will present the "Crack Post of the Frontier" tour, focused on the fort's construction. During the tour, visitors will be introduced to the challenges the U.S. Army at Fort Scott faced in building a frontier post. Hear the story of the soldiers who had not joined the Army to build houses while they demonstrate the tools they used. Experience the trials that Swords faced in building the fort on a budget and having no other officer who could "draw a straight line, even with the assistance of the ruler." And learn how the materials, design elements, and architectural styles used in the buildings' construction helped assure their survival to the present time.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Entrance to the site is free of charge. For more information call the number above or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.