This National Historic Site, about 1.5 hours south of Kansas City (on the Kansas side of the border) served many purposes during its time. It was established as a fort to separate Native Indians and American settlements. More Native Indians entered the area after they were evicted from the eastern United States. The site was established on what was to be the frontier of the permanent Indian frontier. However, more wagon trains proceeded west for gold in California and other destinations.
The annexation of Texas and war with Mexico resulted in the border being pushed to the Pacific Ocean. This expanded the debate of slavery in the new territories. With the border moved, the fort was no longer required and auctioned to private citizens. Anti-slavery and pro-slavery establishments existed in the same town of Fort Scott, Kansas. The Union Army purchased all available buildings in the town and setup tents around the town during the Civil War. It was part military fort, part refugee camp.
