Fort Blair

Route 66 @ 6th & 7th Streets, Baxter Springs, KS
Phone:

East < GO > West

Fort Blair AKA Fort Baxter consisted on a blockhouse and a few cabins surrounded by breastworks made of logs, rock and dirt built during the summer of 1863. On October 6th, 1863 the Fort was the site of a fierce surprise battle during the American Civil War.

This gazebo shelters pretty extensive set of plaques describing the Fort and surroundings.

A replica of the blockhouse and breastwork are located on the site along with interpretive signage.

Here's closer look at the block house.

The Big Spring sign was next to the alley on the block west of the museum and north of Fort Blair block. It seems to have been removed for some reason. The sign read:

The Big Spring
A gushing spring, largest of many along Spring Branch, once flowed here. Early pioneers, Osage Indians, and military personnel stopped to camp here and drink the mineral waters, believed to have curative powers. During the Victorian Era, when the city became a health spa, the spring was the centerpiece of Springs Park on this block. It ceased to flow with the advent of lead and zinc mining to the west.

Photo(s): 2016