Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Professor Ernest Hawkins
Walk Fort Scott
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
1. Professor Ernest Hawkins Marker
Located near the Overflow/RV lot of Fort Scott National Historic Site was the site of the Hawkins School from 1923-1956. Professor Ernest Hawkins led this African American school for several years. He encouraged his students to 'Look Sharp, Be Sharp, and Be Somebody". He is in the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.
Aside:
The US spends almost three times more on healthcare than any other country in the world, but ranks last in life expectancy among the 12 wealthiest industrialized countries.
Erected by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, LEAD Bourbon County, Let's Make It Easier! and Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education.
Location. 37° 50.377′ N, 94° 42.433′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. It is on South National Avenue south of West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in front of the public library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 S National Ave, Fort Scott KS 66701, United States
this page online
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: Fort Scott Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Scott Spanish American War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Henning (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honored Memory (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Moody Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Scott dragoon soldiers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gordon Parks (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Scott.
Also see . . . Downtown Walking Trail (Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce).
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
2. Professor Ernest Hawkins Marker
In front of the public library
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
