Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Riverfront Park Loop 1931 flooding
Fort Scott Historic Flood Tour
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
1. Riverfront Park Loop flooding Marker
You're on the Fort Scott Flood Tour! Visit the web site for details on other locations in town: https://visitfortscott.com/see-and-do/fort-scott-flood-tour/.
While not much is known about the flood of 1931, local historians agree that it was one of Fort Scott's "floods of the century." As seen in the photo below, the Marmaton River extended far beyond its banks into town. With more than 8 inches of rain in a 12 hour period, the area before you was submerged with flood water. The children seen in the photo are standing in the very spot you are standing today. As you can tell, much of the lower ground around you was flooded, with trains marooned on their tracks. This flooding resulted in the destruction of many buildings, homes and agricultural crops.
Driving into floodwater is the number one cause of flood related deaths in Kansas. Do not drive into flood water for any reason!
Erected by Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Silver Jackets and US Army Corps of Engineers (Kansas City District).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters •
this page online
Location. 37° 50.764′ N, 94° 42.292′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. It is on Maple Ridge Park east of North National Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 199 Maple Ridge Park, Fort Scott KS 66701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Call 911: Civil War Style (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Back Yards (about 600 feet away); "But I Can Fire a Pistol" (about 700 feet away); Tallgrass Prairie Trail (about 700 feet away); Rank, Privilege, and Officers Row (about 700 feet away); "Hardy, Dashing Looking Fellows"
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
2. Riverfront Park Loop flooding Marker
Also see . . .
1. Fort Scott Historic Flood Tour (archived). This is the first link on the marker. (Submitted on October 3, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Kansas High Water Sign Initiative (archived). The Silver Jackets program has placed several historical markers about flooded areas that also feature safety warnings, in some states. This features a list of those from Kansas. The website is no longer running. (Submitted on October 3, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
