Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Whats With the Bricks?
Walk Fort Scott
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
1. Whats With the Bricks? Marker
The city has 12 miles (once had 30 miles) of streets paved with bricks which were manufactured at the Fort Scott Brick Factory. Approximately 1 million of Fort Scott's bricks were used to build the Panama Canal. Fort Scott's first brick company was established in 1887. Fort Scott was home to many brick companies including Western Shale Brick Co., Fort Scott Brick Co., Frank G. Herer and John O'Neil. During the tuberculosis epidemic, bricks were made with the line "Don't spit on the sidewalk" as a campaign to stop the contagious disease.
Aside:
Women below the age of 50 need twice the amount of iron per day as men of the same age.
Erected by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, LEAD Bourbon County, Let's Make It Easier! and Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. (Marker Number 11.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 37° 50.519′ N, 94° 42.385′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and Wall Street, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street.
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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: C. F. Drake Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stout Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Milrose Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Fort Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Clothing House (within shouting distance of this marker); Eugene Ware (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowtown? (within shouting distance of this marker); Welch, Badger & Co. Dry Goods Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
2. Whats With the Bricks? Marker
Also see . . . Downtown Walking Trail (Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce). 20 markers with fun facts were placed in downtown Fort Scott. They also include photos as well as health and life tips. QR code on the marker brings you to this link. (Submitted on October 6, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
