Fort Montgomery
Replica built in 2000
Original cabin/fort built in 1855 five miles west of Mound City. The original building was the second cabin owned by James Montgomery as the first one was burned by proslavery Missouri Border Ruffians.
The logs were placed vertically on the building and were so tightly fit together that bullets could not penetrate the walls. The family slept in the loft. The cabin had a cellar used to shelter fugitive slaves and was also an escape for Colonel Montgomery through a tunnel that went into the mound located near the structure.
James Montgomery was a school teacher and a minister who came to the Kansas Territory in 1854 from Ohio to fight for the abolition of slavery. Colonel Montgomery was the free-state leader of a group of men called the "immortal fifty" who with their [Sharp's] rifles and proficient horesemanship became known as the Kansas Jayhawkers. They were a force in the "[B]leeding Kansas" era of 1854-1861.
Colonel Montgomery served in the Civil War and led black troops in South Carolina. He worked with Harriet Tubman on raids. He fought in the battle at Mine [Creek].
He died at his cabin/fort home west of Mound City in 1871 where he farmed and lived with his wife and seven children. He is buried in the National Cemetery [Soldiers Plot] in Mound City, grave # 76.
Replica built by community donations.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 38° 8.567′ N, 94° 49.073′ W. Marker is in Mound City, Kansas, in Linn County. Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 52) west of 7th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Mound City Historical Park, Mound City KS 66056, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mound City Bandwagon (here, next to this marker); Log Corncrib (a few steps from this marker); Windmill and Water Trough (a few steps from this marker); Clausen Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Wesley Chapel Bell (a few steps from this marker); Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Number 9 School (within shouting distance of this marker); Warzel Bungalow (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mound City.
Also see . . .
1. James Montgomery. (Submitted on March 28, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. James Montgomery Info at Civil War on the Western Border. (Submitted on March 28, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
