BGuthrie Photos: KS -- Fort Scott NHS

KS -- Fort Scott NHS:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. FTSCOT_080419_009.JPG: Free To Learn: If you had been an African-American student standing here in 1950, you would have been facing your school, the Hawkins School. This school was part of a continuum of African-American education that began with the Civil War and ended with school integration in 1955. Along with freedom, the Civil War brought the need -- and the previously denied opportunity -- for education. Schools like the Hawkins School met that need and provided that opportunity. Prominent Americans who attended Fort Scott's African-American schools included George Washington Carver and Gordon Alexander Parks. Born a slave, Carver gained renown as an artist, educator, chemist, agronomist, and botanist. Parks, an author, composer, photographer, and poet, was acclaimed Kansas on the Year in 1985 and received the National Medal of Arts in 1988. Carver attended the Fort Scott Colored School in 1878-79; Parks attended the 2nd Plaza School in the 1920s. Between 1865 and 1955, four African-American schools were located on or adjacent to land which now comprises Fort Scott National Historic Site. The last of the four, called the 2nd Plaza School, stood directly in front of you. To honor Professor Ernest Hawkins, who served here for many years, the school was renamed the Hawkins School in 1946. "Look Sharp, Be Sharp, Be Somebody": Professor Ernest Hawkins. Born in Fort Scott in 1875, Ernest Hawkins devoted his life to African-American education. He was a part of Fort Scott's African-American schools for 65 years, first as a student, then a teacher, then principal. Professor Hawkins encouraged his students to "look sharp, be sharp, be somebody."
2. FTSCOT_080419_014.JPG: The Hawkins School would have been in front of you in until (I guess) the late 1950s.
3. FTSCOT_080419_032.JPG: Left is Officers' Quarters No. 1. Right is Wilson-Goodlander House.
4. FTSCOT_080419_039.JPG: The building on the left is the Hospital (and visitor center). In the middle is the Infantry Barracks. In the distance is the Dragoon Stables.
5. FTSCOT_080419_043.JPG: The Heart of Fort Scott: "Fort Scott can boast of the handsomest Square in Kansas Territory." -- Fort Scott Democrat, praising the town plaza, April 5, 1860. The grassy square in front of you silently witnessed events that defined Fort Scott and that reflected a growing nation. Built originally as the fort's parade ground, this square truly is the heart of Fort Scott. When the army sold Fort Scott in 1855, the parade ground became a town park called Carroll Plaza. Through the years, this ground hosted military pomp, music, laughter, civic pride, political strife, violence, and suffering -- events and emotions symbolic of a young America. Through the years, the plaza survived intact, even though the town grew to its edges.
6. FTSCOT_080419_054.JPG: Guardhouse
7. FTSCOT_080419_088.JPG: Flagpole and 30-star flag
8. FTSCOT_080419_108.JPG: Powder magazine next to the lightning rod
9. FTSCOT_080419_130.JPG: Officers' Quarters No. 4.
10. FTSCOT_080419_147.JPG: "A Most Deplorable Condition": "I have now over 200 in camp, and they are in a most deplorable condition.... I have a mother with her dying babe in my office. The rest are in camp, in a condition next to death. Most of them have no shelter... Your agent here has no funds, no tents, nor clothing. Do for heaven's sake send something along at once... Two poor creatures died during last night's storm." -- Plea from Fort Scott's chaplain, September 1864. During the Civil War, the ground in front of you witnessed both hope and despair. As a haven for refugees, Fort Scott offered respite from war, but conditions here all too often spawned tragedy. The war transformed the Fort Scott area into a refugee center, harboring a broad mix of Indians, slaves, free blacks, and white settlers. Most were women, children, and elderly men. Three buildings from the former fort served as hospitals for both soldiers and civilians. At times tents sheltered the overflow of sick and wounded.
11. FTSCOT_080419_156.JPG: Left: Officers' Quarters No. 4. Center: Quartermaster Storehouse. Right: Infantry Barracks.
12. FTSCOT_080419_158.JPG: Guardhouse
13. FTSCOT_080419_165.JPG: Western Hotel: Symbol of Strife: After the army sold Fort Scott in 1855, the infantry barracks located here (reconstructed in front of you) became the pro-slavery Western Hotel. The building across the parade ground directly behind you became the anti-slavery Free State Hotel. The two hotels symbolized the strife over slavery that divided Kansas in the late 1850s, an era known as "Bleeding Kansas." Violence visited Fort Scott often during Bleeding Kansas, and the Western Hotel played a role in several incidents over whether Kansas would be free or slave. Hoping to quell the violence of Bleeding Kansas, the territorial governor convened a peace conference at Fort Scott. Though riot nearly broke out, the conference did temporarily halt hostilities. Rumor alleged that pro-slavers met at the Western Hotel to plot the Marais des Cygnes Massacre, which resulted in the murder of several free staters. Seeking revenge, free-stater James Montgomery led an armed band to Fort Scott three weeks later. They fired shots into homes and tried to burn the hotel.
14. FTSCOT_080419_178.JPG: Dragoon Stables
15. FTSCOT_080419_179.JPG: "Hardy, Dashing Looking Fellows": "The commands are given, the companies break into column... hardy, dashing looking fellows, those men, tanned up in their march from Fort Scott, from whence they have just joined us... The men are nearly all quite young... They are mounted on the best American horses, all of them being upwards of fifteen hands in height." -- Lt. J. Henry Carleton, describing the departure from Fort Leavenworth of the 1844 expedition to Pawnee villages. In front of you stand the reconstructed barracks and stables of Fort Scott's dragoons. Forerunners of the cavalry, dragoons fought on horseback and foot. Dragoons were assigned to Fort Scott to protect trade and enforce Indian policy. Each summer from 1843 to 1845, they patrolled the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, protecting travelers and contacting Indian tribes. In June 1846, they left here for the Mexican War, where they earned distinction at the battle of Buena Vista. Missions from Fort Scott into the Great Plains included one of the U.S. Army's first ventures into the Rocky Mountains. Fort Scott's dragoons helped open the West and, ironically, hasten the end of the "Permanent Indian Frontier" for which the fort had been built.
16. FTSCOT_080419_213.JPG: Mess Hall and Kitchen
17. FTSCOT_080419_216.JPG: Mess Hall and Kitchen: Each barracks at Fort Scott had rooms designated as the company mess hall and kitchen. If a separate room was not available for non-commissioned officers mess, a table was reserved for the NCO's in the company mess. During the 1840s, open hearth cooking was still practiced by army cooks. Provisions were issued to each company by the commissary officer or assistant quartermaster. Mealtime, designated by the post commander, was signaled by a bugle call or drumroll.
18. FTSCOT_080419_223.JPG: Laundry Room
19. FTSCOT_080419_226.JPG: Laundry Room: One room in each barracks at Fort Scott served as a company laundry. Laundresses lived here and washed the uniforms of the soldiers. Each company was allowed to employ four women as laundresses who were paid a fixed rate by the piece or month. Debts due a laundress were settled on pay day and were given preference over all amounts owed by the soldier except for military indebtedness. Laundresses were subject to army orders and received quarters, fuel, one daily ration, and the medical services of the post surgeon.
20. FTSCOT_080419_236.JPG: Company Office
21. FTSCOT_080419_238.JPG: Company Office: At full strength, each company consisted of 50 privates divided into four squads, with two buglers and one farrier/blacksmith. A captain commanded the company and was assisted by two to four lieutenants, four sergeants and four corporals. In this office, all of the company reports, records, duty roster, rolls and work details were prepared, posted and maintained. A first sergeant and clerk assisted the officers in the daily administration of the company.
22. FTSCOT_080419_247.JPG: Hospital
23. FTSCOT_080419_249.JPG: Infantry Barracks
24. FTSCOT_080419_262.JPG: Well Canopy
25. FTSCOT_080419_290.JPG: Bedbugs, Barrels, and Slush Lamps: Barracks life provided its own hardships -- poor lighting, lack of privacy, fleas, lice, and cockroaches. Candles were strictly rationed... so lamps were made to burn kitchen grease, producing a sooty, smelly light. Mattresses were stuffed with prairie hay; a rolled up overcoat became a pillow. To conserve space, the men shared bunks, which also provided added warmth in winter. Nineteenth century army barracks were normally infested with a variety of insects, the worst of them, according to an army surgeon in the 1850s, was "that annoying and disgusting insect... the common bedbug." The prairie hay stuffing in the mattresses was changed monthly to control insect infestations. The barracks were completely emptied and whitewashed each spring and fall. Soldiers used large barrels cut in half as bath tubs. Yet these efforts proved futile against the microscopic enemy. The barracks at Fort Scott were, by the standards of the day, well constructed. Soldiers sing of their beans and canteens, Of the coffee in old army cups, Why not mention the small friends we've seen, Always trying to chew armies up? Those firm friends, tireless friends, Hardly ever neglecting their hugs, Their regard never ends -- How they loved us, those old army bugs. -- From a song popular during the Civil War entitled "Those Old Army Bugs".
26. FTSCOT_080419_303.JPG: Routine, Training, Inspections: The entire American army of 1844 consisted of 8,573 men scattered throughout 52 posts. Garrison life was a full routine of inspections, training and fatigue duties such as building construction, cutting firewood and obtaining water. The routine was varied by guard duty and mess cooking. In their free time, soldiers might play cards or checkers, or visit the company library -- if they could read. Throughout the 1840s, Fort Scott dragoons were often away, escorting wagon trains or exploring new territory. Coping with cold, heat, dust and forced marches quickly turned new recruits into "old soldiers" and prepared them for war with Mexico. Meanwhile, the infantrymen were left with the routine post duties year-round. Construction of the fort kept the men busy felling trees, hauling logs or working at the sawmill. Planting and harvesting the gardens and tending the livestock helped stretch army issue rations. "I have every enlisted Soldier (Non-commissioned officer and Private) on Extra duty under the charge of the Assistant Quartermaster in forwarding the work, barely retaining a sufficient number of men to do Guard duty, and feed the Dragoons Horses." William M. Graham, Captain, Co. D, 4th Inf. Regt. Commanding Officer Fort Scott 14 October 1844
27. FTSCOT_080419_313.JPG: Rank, Privilege, and Officers Row: To see evidence of the rigid military caste system in the Old Army, compare the substantial homes along Officers Row in front of you to the enlisted men's barracks behind you. A soldier's rank determined his position both professionally and socially. The quality and arrangement of quarters at Fort Scott and other military posts reflected the army's segregated system. Separate quarters for officers and enlisted men kept the two classes apart. Rank also dictated that the elegant homes of officers were at the best location on the parade ground. To further cement the caste system, the walkway in front of Officers Row was off limits to enlisted men and post laundresses; they used a separate walkway from their barracks to the well. ... The surviving houses are original. The exteriors have been restored to their appearance of the 1840s and 50s. They are duplexes. Each side contains six rooms, plus hallways, arranged on three levels -- ample space for one officer, his family, and servants.
28. FTSCOT_080419_319.JPG: "But I Can Fire a Pistol!" "But remember this, I am a girl, but I can fire a pistol and if ever the time comes I will send some of you to the place where theirs 'weeping and knashing of teeth'..." -- Sene Campbell in a letter to James Montgomery, January 4, 1859 Sene Campbell's anger testifies to the hatred and ill will prevalent during the pre-Civil War era called "Bleeding Kansas," and to her anguish over the violence -- on this site -- that ended the life of her fiance, pro-slaver John Little. At daybreak, December 16, 1858, about 100 heavily armed "free-staters" invaded Fort Scott to liberate a companion jailed in the Free State Hotel (directly in front of you). They corralled hostages in front of the hotel. Shots erupted. A bullet pierced John Little's skull as he peered from the window above the door of his father's store (formerly the post headquarters, reconstructed ahead and to your left). Violent acts like this, initiated by both free-states and pro-slavers, symbolized the division of the nation soon to be at war. James Montgomery, an ardent free-stater, led the Fort Scott raid. After Montgomery was chosen leader, fellow abolitionist John Brown (of later Harpers Ferry fame) declined to go on the raid.
29. FTSCOT_080419_321.JPG: "But I can Fire a Pistol" house where John Little was killed
30. FTSCOT_080419_341.JPG: The inside of this house was left exposed so you could see the techniques over time.
31. FTSCOT_080419_385.JPG: Peeking at the Past: The interior of this building is only partially restored to its 1845 status: many of the more recent features that were added on or changed over the years illustrate the house's history and have been allowed to remain. A few alterations are quite recent, like the cinder block column to your left which now supports the roof and illustrates how a modern architectural element may be necessary to preserve a historic building.
32. FTSCOT_080419_389.JPG: A House Made to Fit: This house has survived more than 140 years. Built in 1845, it was home to officers and their families until the fort was abandoned by the army in 1853. Two years later, all fort property was sold at auction and this became a private home. In 1901, it became the Goodlander Home for Children, serving the needy. In 1959, it was made to fit a local civic group which used the building for meetings. In 1979, the building was transferred to the National Park Service. Each change reflected the tastes, values and economics and its day. And each left it marks on the building itself.
33. FTSCOT_080419_395.JPG: Inside of the powder magazine
34. FTSCOT_080419_411.JPG: Sick Call: Accidental injuries, malarious fevers, diarrhea and alcoholism were common health problems at Fort Scott. Men who worked in the surrounding low-lying areas were particularly susceptible to respiratory ailments. In the winter, pneumonia became a serious problem: it was usually fatal. Military hospitals of the 1840s were not uniform in appearance but were individually designed by post quartermasters. The two-story hospital at Fort Scott provided a spacious, well-ventilated area for rest and convalescence. On the ground floor were an office for the Post Surgeon, a dispensary, storerooms, rooms for a steward or matron, and one room that may have been the kitchen. The second level contained two wards with high ceilings to provide for the circulation of fresh air. Surrounding the second level, a wide porch protected the wards from inclement weather and the hot sun, while providing the exercise area for the patients. "The fatigue duties must be considered the indirect cause of a large proportion of the fevers and diseases of the respiratory system; at the same time, it is difficult to say whether this produces a greater amount of disease than the abuse of ardent spirits, and the exposure undergone in procuring it." Dr. Joseph Walker Assistant Surgeon Fort Scott 1842 Medical Report
35. FTSCOT_080419_428.JPG: Infantry Life: This reconstructed infantry barracks, one of two at Fort Scott, serves to remind us of life for an infantry soldiers here in the 1840s and 50s. During wartime, infantry fought on foot, but during peacetime, life in the infantry meant isolation, routine, boredom, and unappealing work. tasks of building and maintaining Fort Scott's structures, and the Military Road, fell largely to the infantry. But war broke the routine. In 1845, the army dispatched infantry from here to defend Texas. During the Mexican War (1846-1848), men from Fort Scott fought with distinction, and some died, at places like Molino del Rey, Churubusco, Monterrey, and Vera Cruz. For Fort Scott, the Mexican War was a major step toward obsolescence. Land gained as a result of the war accelerated America's westward growth, and doomed forts like Fort Scott, which had been built to guard the "permanent" Indian frontier. July 21, 1845 -- Company C, 1st Infantry, prepares to embark on their long journey to join General Zachary Taylor's Army of Observation in Texas, then on to Mexico. Fort Scott was just one of many lonely outposts stripped of troops during the Mexican War. Other infantry replaced Fort Scott's departed units, manning the fort throughout the war. They continued the work of building and repair, tasks that slowed but did not stop during wartime.
36. FTSCOT_080419_432.JPG: "The Crack Post of the Frontier" Look at the structures around the parade ground. Fort Scott's appearance is largely the work of one man,Captain Thomas Swords, post quartermaster from 1842 to 1846. Shortly after the army assigned Swords to Fort Scott, he vowed that he would make it "the crack post of the frontier." Captain Swords built Fort Scott to last. The post's structures reflect the political belief in 1843 that the "Permanent Indian Frontier" really would be permanent. Many frontier forts were hastily built for short-term use, but the architecture and craftsmanship at Fort Scott are more typical of large, well-established Eastern posts. As Fort Scott's quartermaster, Captain Thomas Swords was responsible for designing and building the post and all of its structures. Since the army did not standardize designs until after the Civil War, the task was not easy. At one point, Swords lamented, "[I] am thrown entirely upon my own resources for plans... [No one] here can draw a straight line, even with the assistance of a ruler." Swords planned Fort Scott to be functional, yet, as he said, "with as much neatness of appearance... as is consistent with a proper economy." For some structures, he borrowed from classical design. The porches, stairs, and rooflines of the officers quarters and enlisted men's barracks reflect French Colonial architecture. Greek Revival is seen in the canopy over the well. Among the most conscientious of frontier quartermasters, Swords retired in 1869 a brevetted brigadier and major general.
37. FTSCOT_080419_451.JPG: Quartermaster Complex: The quartermaster was the officer responsible for a multitude of functions needed to run a military post, including supply, subsistence, construction, and repair. Most of his operation took place here, in the area called the quartermaster complex. On a typical day around 1850, a clamor of activity would have filled the air. Wagons, horses, shouting, the clang of hammer on iron, even the smell of baking break were all part of the scene. The complex contained a storehouse, bakery, ice house, corrals, scale house, storage yards, and a large, rectangular quadrangle consisting of workshops and warehouses. The quadrangle area included carpenter, blacksmith, wheelwright, and saddler shops, corn cribs, grain bins, and stables for oxen and mules. Of the complex's original structures, only the quartermaster's storehouse, bake house, and one other stone building survive.
38. FTSCOT_080419_488.JPG: Tallgrass Prairie Trail: "The immediate site of the post... opens out rapidly to the south in a beautifully undulating prairie." -- Assistant Surgeon, Joseph K. Barnes, describing the Fort Scott landscape in 1852. Walk this short trail and imagine "the most magnificent prairie of the country," as the land around Fort Scott was described in 1843. The trail passes through a small area of tallgrass prairie that the National Park Service is restoring to offer a glimpse of the prairie's former splendor. Prior to restoration, this area had become a residential neighborhood. A trail brochure identifies some of the plants found along the trail. A healthy, native tallgrass prairie can contain over 1,000 species of vascular plants; some of the more common ones can be seen here. Park personnel maintain this area using prescribed fire. Historically, wildfires swept the tallgrass prairie, preventing the growth of trees and shrubs. For instance, Fort Scott's Meteorological Register for December 2, 1848, remarked about the "prairie burning at South at night." In the mid-1800s the land around Fort Scott would have resembled this scene on the Konza Prairie about 120 miles northwest of here in Kansas's Flint Hills.
39. FTSCOT_080419_499.JPG: Back Yards: The back yards of Fort Scott's officers' quarters provided officers and their families private space that was not available to enlisted men. Back yards were the site of diversions such as gardening, gossiping, and entertaining. Archeology has revealed previously unknown features behind this officers' duplex. Details such as limestone patios, walls, and walkways with curbs and gutters illustrate the army's effort to provide a comfortable life for its officers. The elaborate construction here also shows that the army planned to use Fort Scott for many years. But the army underestimated the American desire for land, which quickly led to the end of the "Permanent Indian Frontier," and to the abandonment of Fort Scott in 1853. Archeologists unearthed numerous heretofore unknown features, such as this limestone patio and walkway. When their work was done, the archeologists re-filled their excavations to preserve the site.
40. FTSCOT_080419_502.JPG: Back yards of the officers quarters
41. FTSCOT_080419_511.JPG: Ordnance storeroom
42. FTSCOT_080419_527.JPG: Ordnance Storeroom: The ordnance storeroom was the responsibility of the post ordnance sergeant. Various types of weapons, artillery projectiles and noncombustible items were stored here. The more volatile blackpowder and prepared ammunition were stored in the powder magazine located on the parade ground. The ordnance sergeant was expected to maintain records of the weapons, ammunition and associated items received, stored and expended at the fort. A soldier's pay was reduced to pay for lost or damaged items.
43. FTSCOT_080419_559.JPG: Commandant's office, court-martial room
44. FTSCOT_080419_571.JPG: Post Headquarters: The Commanding Officer, with the assistance of a small administrative staff, was responsible for governing the army post according to the Articles of War and Army Regulation. He was expected to maintain well-trained troops ready to respond to situations which emerged along the frontier. He was charged with maintaining orderliness and discipline on the post. He was authorized to conduct court-martial. The command staff comprised the Post Adjutant, First Sergeant, clerks, Post Quartermaster, Post Subsistence Officer, Post Surgeon, and the field officers. The Post Adjutant was the immediate assistant to the Commanding Officer. He was responsible for preparing all orders, correspondence and reports. The First Sergeant and one or two clerks would assist the Adjutant. Violations of regulations were tried by court-martial. The following excerpts from an actual trial summary illustrate typical infractions and penalties. Charges against Private Thomas Fraser, Co. D, 4th, Inf. preferred against him by order of the: General Court Martial Fort Scott, Missouri 28 September 1843 Brevet Major William M. Graham, Presiding Charge 1st: "Absence without Leave.": Specification: "... did absent himself from Fort Scott, Missouri, on the evening of the 3rd day of July, 1843, and did remain absent until the morning of the 5th day of July 1843..." Charge 2nd: "Desertion": Specification: "... did desert whilst a prisoner... and did remain absent until brought back by a command sent in pursuit of him... thirty dollars paid for his apprehension." To which charges and specifications, the accused pleaded "Guilty." Finding: The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, find the accused, Private Thomas Fraser, as follows: Of the specifications and charges, "Guilty". Sentence: And thereupon the Court sentence that said Private Thomas Fraser, ... to receive fifty lashes on his bare back, well laid with a raw hide, forfeit all pay and allowances which may be due him, except just debts due the sutler and laundresses, make good the thirty dollars paid for his apprehension, and serve six months in charge of the guard at hard labor without pay.
45. FTSCOT_080419_575.JPG: Post headquarters
46. FTSCOT_080419_594.JPG: Powder Magazine: Gunpowder and prepared ammunition were stored here in the magazine. Its design and use centered on safety. The walls are several bricks thick. The wood paneling and flooring are fastened with copper nails to prevent sparks. Regulations specified that the magazine be opened three days each week to air the building in order to help keep the powder dry. The Ordnance Sergeant oversaw the diverse components of weaponry. At Fort Scott he had charge of two structures: the ordnance storehouse gun shed *located within the headquarters building) and the magazine. The gun shed housed weapons, tools, harness supplies and other metallic, non-explosive stones. The magazine contained powder, cartridges, port-fires, and explosive projectiles. The sergeant checked the contents frequently, recording the inventory in the "magazine book." As an incentive to be careful, the value of lost weapons and ammunition was subject to deduction from a soldiers pay. "... everyone who enters the magazine should take off his shoes, or put socks over them. no sword, or cane, or anything which might occasion sparks should be carried in." --- 1847 Ordnance Manual
47. FTSCOT_080419_599.JPG: Powder magazine
48. FTSCOT_080419_605.JPG: Guard Duty
49. FTSCOT_080419_611.JPG: Guard Duty: Soldiers never welcomed the twenty-four hour stretch of guard duty that came about every fifth day. Half of the duty section was required to be under arms and on sentry post, regardless of the weather. The other half had to remain fully dressed with all of their accouterments and ready to respond to any emergency. "Guard mounting," an impressive ceremony, took place each morning with the inspection of the new guard. Soldiers turned out with clothing, arms and equipment in the best order, for the soldier who presented the best appearance was selected as the commanding officer's orderly. Rivalry was keen for this duty because the winner was excused from guard duty and had the opportunity to sleep in his own bunk. The officer of the day inspected the guard and prisoners, ensured that punishments were carried out, visited the guardhouse periodically and responded to emergencies. [While on guard duty, we] "had little rest at night, during the four hours off, when we lay down on a hard wooden platform in the guard house which was built for that purpose... and were generally disturbed after midnight by sentinel number one... calling out "turn out the guard for the officer of the day" when we hurried out and formed ranks..." -- Augustus Meyers, Soldier and author of Ten Years in the Ranks, U.S. Army
50. FTSCOT_080419_614.JPG: Cells
51. FTSCOT_080419_628.JPG: Strict Rules, Harsh Punishments: It was a rare soldier who was not, at some time, punished for some infraction of the rules. Punishment for minor offenses included reduction in rank, stoppage of pay, or confinement in the guard house. Punishment for more severe crimes ranged from mounting a wooden horse ("sawbuck"), carrying a log, standing on a barrel, carrying a ball and chain, flogging, to solitary confinement. So that soldiers would not seek time in the guard house as a respite from the daily routine, the cells were made barely habitable. Neither bedding nor sanitary facilities -- other than a bucket -- were provided. Post Surgeons often commented in their regular reports on the cold and damp of the cells. Confinement was for minor infractions; desertion warranted a more serious punishment. Deserters were usually stripped of insignia, branded with a "D," drummed out of the regiment and sent out into the surrounding country to fend for themselves as best they could. General Court Martial Fort Scott, Missouri 26 December 1844 Brevet Major William M. Graham, Presiding Charge against Private Hugh Dougherty, Co. A, 1st Dragoons, preferred by order of the Post Commander, Fort Scott, Missouri. Charge: "Mutinous Conduct": Specification: "... did violently assault and strike Corporal Evans." To which charge and specification, the accused pleaded "Not Guilty." Finding: The Court having maturely considered the evidence adduced, find the accused, Private Hugh Dougherty, as follows: Of the specification, except the words "violently assault and," "Guilty". Of the charge: "Guilty". Sentence: And thereupon the court sentence the said Private Hugh Dougherty... be confined at hard labor with ball and chain... for a period of four months and forfeit all pay and allowances which may be due him for the same period.
Wikipedia Description: Fort Scott National Historic Site
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fort Scott National Historic Site protects 20 historic structures, a parade ground, and five acres (20,000 m�) of restored tallgrass prairie in Bourbon County, Kansas, United States, near the city of Fort Scott. This site bears witness to this era when the United States was forged from a young divided republic into a united and powerful transcontinental nation.

The National Park Service preserves, protects, and interprets the nationally significant historic resources related to the opening of the West, the Permanent Indian Frontier, the Mexican-American War, Freedom's Frontier, the American Civil War and the expansion of railroads.
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