Fort Scott, KS

Forts were a big help in the settling of the west. During its roughest years, Kansas became known as "Bleeding Kansas" due to the issues of being a slave state or not. During this time, John Brown and his sons killed 5 pro-slavery advocates. The fort was abandoned in 1853 and the buildings were sold. A couple of hotels were opened. The fort was reoccupied for the Civil War in which Kansas joined with the Union side. This is very well preserved site and worth the visit.