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Historic Sites in Kansas
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Scott State Park
Listed by National Geographic's Traveler magazine as one of the
country's 50 must-see state parks, Lake Scott State Park is a
diamond in the rough. The area is literally an oasis, rich with
history, natural wonder, artesian springs, deep wooded canyons,
and craggy bluffs providing a startling contrast to the vast
shortgrass prairie of western Kansas. Scott State Park is
relatively small -- 100 acres of lake and 1,180 acres in the
park and wildlife area -- but the area is unique. Nearly two
centuries before Europeans settled the area, a group of Taos
Indians migrated to the region fleeing Spanish rule. Attracted
to the natural springs, which they would use for irrigation, the
Taos built the northernmost pueblo in North America. The El
Cuartelejo Ruins, as they are now called, have been designated
as a National Historic Landmark. The park is more than history,
however, and provides a majestic setting for all outdoor
recreation. Fishing is very popular, and nature trails provide
naturalists the opportunity to view native plants and animals.
The park offers both modern and primitive campsites, a swimming
beach, and Beach House that sells basic camping and fishing
supplies. Hunting is allowed on the wildlife area. Boating is
allowed for fishing only. For information call: (316)872-2061
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
On October 26, 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-525,
establishing Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
to commemorate the landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at
ending segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the
Supreme Court unanimously declared that "separate educational
facilities are inherently unequal" and, as such, violate the
14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which
guarantees all citizens "equal protection of the laws." The site
is located at Monroe Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas. Monroe
was the segregated school attended by the lead plaintiff's
daughter, Linda Brown, when Brown v. Board of Education of
Topeka was initially filed in 1951. For information call:
(785)354-4273
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Larned was established in 1859 as a base of military
operations against hostile Indians of the Central Plains, to
protect traffic along the Santa Fe Trail and as an agency for
the administration of the Central Plains Indians by the Bureau
of Indian Affairs under the terms of the Fort Wise Treaty of
1861. With nine restored buildings, it survives as one of the
best examples of Indian Wars period forts. Most of the buildings
including: barracks, commissary, officers quarters and more, are
furnished to their original appearance. Fort Larned National
Historic Site takes visitors back to this turbulent era in our
nation's history. For information call: (316)285-6911
Fort Scott National Historic Site
The thirty-one year span of history interpreted at Fort Scott
National Historic Site is perhaps the most significant era of
our nation's history. Fort Scott witnessed a decade of rapid
westward expansion followed by civil strife and unrest that
brought about our nation's deadliest conflict. Fort Scott
National Historic Site consists of 20 historic structures, a
parade ground and five acres of restored tallgrass prairie. The
architectural style of the buildings is French Colonial with
Greek Revival elements. The exteriors of the buildings are
restored to their 1840s appearance. For information call:
(316)223-0310
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Nicodemus National Historic Site, Kansas. This area preserves,
protects and interprets the only remaining western town
established by African Americans during the Reconstruction
Period following the Civil War. The town of Nicodemus is
symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African-Americans who dared to
leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek
personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents
and capabilities. For information call: (316)285-6911
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