Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Gunn Park
Walk Fort Scott
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
1. Gunn Park Marker
In 1905 Gunn Park was known as Fern Lake Park and was privately owned and operated. The fee to enter the park was 5 cents. On July 4, 1909 there were 10,000 visitors to Fern Lake Park to watch fireworks. In 1910 the owners had signed the park over to the bank. W.C. Gunn purchased and then donated 155 acres to the city of Fort Scott with the stipulation that it was to remain a park. At one time he even added a zoo of deer, elk, wolves, bears, and an eagle.
Seven miles of trails have recently been built around the perimeter of the park for mountain biking and hiking.
Aside:
E.V.O.O.
Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest fat on the planet.
Erected by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, LEAD Bourbon County, Let's Make It Easier! and Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1909.
Location. 37° 50.335′ N, 94° 42.365′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling
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: Memorial Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Railroads in Fort Scott (about 300 feet away); Fort Scott dragoon soldiers (about 300 feet away); Moody Building (about 400 feet away); Gordon Parks (about 400 feet away); Professor Ernest Hawkins (about 400 feet away); Richards Building (about 400 feet away); Fort Scott Spanish American War Memorial (about 400 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. Gunn Park Marker
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.
