National historic site will host 'Border Showdown' this weekend

Residents on either side of the Kansas-Missouri border may view the November contest between the University of Kansas and University of Missouri football teams as a border showdown, but there was much more serious conflict by the same name in 1860.

Volunteers and staff members at Fort Scott National Historic Site will give visitors a taste of the times during "The Border Showdown of 1860," an evening tour set for 6:30 p.m. July 23 at FSNHS. It is widely believed that the seeds of the American Civil War were planted along the border of the two states, a news release said.

Ranger Galen Ewing will lead attendees through still-life scenes from the times featuring Heiro and Elizabeth Wilson, the Campbells, Brigadier Gen. Daniel Frost and Col. James Montgomery.

"The people representing these characters (will) be performing anywhere from a five-10 minute presentation explaining their viewpoints," Ewing said. "That will be interspersed with me narrating as we go throughout the tour."

George and Diane Bernheimer will portray the Wilsons; Michelle Martin and Barry Linduff, the Campbells; Ranger Robert Thomas will act as Frost; and local historian Arnold Schofield will play Montgomery, a free-stater and abolitionist.

The Wilsons were two of the founders of Fort Scott. He was a former post suttler, a merchant who sold provisions to the Army, and served in the Army at Fort Scott when it was a military post. When the Army moved off in 1853, Wilson stayed to operate his store. When the town was established in 1855, Wilson kept the store going, but also took part in purchasing some of the former military structures and made his home in part of one of the officers' quarters, Ewing said.

The Campbells, managers of the Fort Scott Hotel, will talk about some of the ongoing issues of the time, such as Montgomery and some of the border problems between Kansas and Missouri.

Frost, a Missouri State Militia general, was called to the border of Western Missouri by the governor to protect citizens of Missouri from incursions by Montgomery and his followers. "He'll talk about why he was called to come to this area," Ewing said.

Montgomery, in the person of Schofield, will defend his purpose and why he was so involved in his cause.

There is no charge for the tour, but those who plan to attend are asked to sign up in advance by calling (620) 223-0310.

A "Tragedy Tour" conducted in June attracted about 50 people and Ewing is hoping for a similar turnout next weekend. "It's something that's great for the town and it's an opportunity to learn more about Fort Scott history," he said.

Tour-goers will meet at the site's visitors center. Upcoming tours on different topics will be offered Aug. 20, and Sept. 24.