Yesterday we brought you details about the most haunted military base in the country, so it only makes sense that today we look at a lovely, old historic Kansas fort that is perfect for those of us who prefer something a little less spooky. Without further ado, we give you charming Fort Scott:

Established by the U.S. Army in 1842, Fort Scott was originally plotted with the intent to assist with the protection of the Permanent Indian Frontier.
Flickr/dcp
After the Army deserted the area in 1853, it was purchased by local settlers and laid out as a town in 1857.
Even though the area was no longer associated with the Army, the fort experienced great turmoil during the historic Bleeding Kansas that resulted in murder, rape, and other unthinkable crimes between both the pro-slavery supporters and free-staters alike.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Kansas would officially enter the union as a free state on January 29, 1861.
During the Civil War, Fort Scott once again became a hotspot for the U.S. Army by serving as a training center, supply depot, and overall district Headquarters.
Flickr/Timothy Freund
The location of Fort Scott is said to have been vital to the defense of the midwest during these violent times.
After the Civil War, Fort Scott became another important hub -- only this time, it was for the railroad.
Flickr/Doug Wertman
In fact, this "premier city of the frontier" was at one time in the running to be the largest railroad city west of the Mississippi (a title that was later taken by Kansas City).

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It wasn't until the early 1900s when Fort Scott became the nerve center for agriculture (and small industrial center) that it is today.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
In addition to its healthy farms and agriculture scene, Fort Scott is popular for its colorful downtown area...
Flickr/frank thompson photos
(Complete with walking tour, unique boutiques, yummy restaurants, and even nostalgic trolley rides.)
...fascinating Fort Scott National Historic Site...
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
...and haunting Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

To discover even more things to do in Fort Scott, visit the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s website. Speaking of discoveries, be sure to check out These 11 Hidden Gems In Kansas Hold Historic Keys To The Past!

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