Fort Scott historic site offering tour tonight

"The evidence is ample and clear that large portions of the Cherokee Nation were determined to stand firm in their loyalty, many of them joined the armies of the Union. The battles in which they participated and which eventuated in their expulsion from their own country and forced them to seek shelter in Kansas forms a part of the history of this war."

This story of Indian refugees written in 1863 will set the stage for one of the scenes set for 6:30 p.m. today at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Owning property has always been and remains a core component of the "American dream." Frequently, land ownership and property disputes plagued this nation throughout the 19th century. From 1842-1873, Fort Scott went through these issues with the rest of the country that helped define the U.S. as a nation. During the tour, reenactors will create four different scenes in which soldiers or civilians at Fort Scott were involved in land issues. Scenes will include soldiers enforcing the "Permanent Indian Frontier" (1846), women discussing the outcome of a court hearing over property rights (1857), the plight of refugees during the Civil War (1863), and disputes between farmers and railroad workers (1869).

Participants may meet for the free tour outside the site's visitor center. Other evening tours featuring different topics will be offered on Aug. 18 and Sept. 15.

For more information, call (620) 223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.