Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Back Yards
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 23, 2010
1. Back Yards Marker
The back yards of Fort Scott's officers' quarters provided officers and their families private space that was not available to enlisted men. Back yards were the site of diversions such as gardening, gossiping, and entertaining.
Archeology has revealed previously unknown features behind this officers' duplex. Details such as limestone patios, walls, and walkways with curbs and gutters illustrate the army's effort to provide a comfortable life for its officers.
The elaborate construction here also shows that the army planned to use Fort Scott for many years. But the army underestimated the American desire for land, which quickly led to the end of the "Permanent Indian Frontier," and to the abandonment of Fort Scott in 1853.
[Photo caption]
Archeologists unearthed numerous heretofore unknown features, such as this limestone patio and walkway (left). When their work was done, the archeologists re-filled their excavations to preserve the site.
Erected 1998 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 37° 50.663′ N, 94° 42.245′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. Marker can be reached from Old Fort Boulevard. Marker is on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Scott KS 66701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Call 911: Civil War Style (a few steps from this marker); Tallgrass Prairie Trail (a few steps from this marker); "But I Can Fire a Pistol" (within shouting distance of this marker); Rank, Privilege, and Officers Row (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Crack Post of the Frontier" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quartermaster Complex (about 300 feet away); "Hardy, Dashing Looking Fellows" (about 300 feet away); Infantry Life (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Scott.
Also see . . .
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 23, 2010
2. Back Yards Marker
Rear of Officers' Quarters No. 2 in background.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 23, 2010
3. Back Yards Marker
Rear of Officers' Quarters, with outbuilding, in background.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 23, 2010
4. Photo on Back Yards Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 763 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
