Fort Scott National Historic Site, KS

Preserving a Historic Building at Fort Scott National Historic Site, KS

Open in Maps

Project Details:

Project Years: 2020 – 2023

Parcel Size: 0.76 acres

Project Cost: $190,000

Park Trust Role: Buy and hold, manage lease

Funding Source: Donation

Overview

In 2023, we announced the successful completion of a partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) that preserves a critical piece of American history at Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas. This multi-year collaboration, resulting in the acquisition of a ¾-acre private property within the park’s boundaries, addressed a pressing need of the park: to remove the fort’s maintenance equipment from the historic dragoon stables building and protect its legacy. The project allowed the equipment to be moved from this historic structure site to a better-suited facility, allowing visitors to fully experience the park’s historic areas.

Fort Scott became a National Historical Park in 1978. The park boundary was expanded in 2020 through the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act in 2019. This resulted in the privately owned building–which housed a paint store with a long-term lease–being incorporated into the park. The property was initially slated to be acquired by the property owner through a funding authorization in 2021. However, the sudden passing of the property owner, Mr. Cummings, and his heirs’ swift interest in selling heightened the urgency for acquisition.

When the NPS requested assistance, we initiated and executed a comprehensive strategic plan, including a title commitment, property appraisal, and Phase I and II environmental site assessments. In addition, we negotiated with the commercial retail business that occupied the building to revise the lease. The result was a lease that met standards acceptable to the NPS so they could accept the property.

In July 2021, we successfully concluded the acquisition. We temporarily managed the property, serving as the landlord for the building’s retail business until December 2023, when the NPS could officially take possession and complete the purchase of the land and building. 

Why This Place Matters

The current national historic site protects 20 historic structures, a parade ground, and five acres (20,000 m2) of restored tallgrass prairie inside the city of Fort Scott. This allows a significant story of American history to be told in an urban area. Established in 1842, this fort was pivotal in westward expansion, the anti-slavery movement, and the Civil War. Initially, it safeguarded wagon trains and enforced boundaries between Native American lands and European settlers. Despite being closed in 1853, periodic soldier returns helped manage future conflicts. It became a vital Union Hospital supply and training depot during the Civil War. Its final chapter, ending in 1873, involved protecting railroad workers from local trespassers and landowners opposing railway construction on their land.

Significance of the Acquisition:

• The renovated historic area will allow visitors to fully experience the dragoon stables.
• Removes everyday maintenance activities, with accompanying noise from the visitor area.
• Expandss the historic footprint of the park by establishing an additional facility that enhances the visitor experience at the park.