Name: Paranormal Investigation at Fort Osage
Start: 2017-04-29T22:30:00+00:00
End: 2017-04-30T03:30:00+00:00
Location: Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

Fort Osage 2016 Calendar of Events

Posted on January 17, 2016August 3, 2016 by Fort Osage News & Events

Here is the 2016 calendar of events for Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Check back often for changes and new events!

Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour
Saturday, April 16
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration for this event has closed. Unfortunately, all spaces have been filled.
Join us on a bus tour of eight historic cemeteries in the Fort Osage area. Cost is $20 and included lunch and admission to the fort, in addition to the bus tour. Space is limited to 20, and registration is required.

Historic Sibley Cemetery Tours
Saturday, April 23
Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Explore Jackson County’s oldest cemetery, and learn about some of its famous interments, from our knowledgeable curator. The symbolism behind some of the historic gravestones will also be shared during the guided tour.

Artifact Identification Day
Saturday, May 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about the history of old arrowheads and other artifacts you might have collected? Professional archaeologists will inspect your treasures and tell you their approximate age and by whom they were crafted.

Spring Nature Walks
Saturday, May 14
Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the flora and fauna surrounding Fort Osage and enjoy a guided hike along the Banks of the Missouri River. Special attention will be given to local species found during the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.

200 Years Of The American Soldier
Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A fascinating look at the government issued equipment provided to the American soldier from the early 19th to the early 20th century. From canteens to muskets, authentic pieces will be on display. Special emphasis will be placed on how these accoutrements were essential to the soldier’s well being. The exhibits will be displayed in the Education Center.

Flag Day
Saturday, June 11
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Special presentations at 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. Our knowledgeable staff will answer questions and provide valuable historic information about our nation’s enduring symbol.

Independence Day
Monday, July 4
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of American Independence at Fort Osage. Interpretive demonstrations highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier to include musket and cannon demonstrations, and patriotic speeches, make this a perfect place to celebrate our country’s Independence!

Dispatch Canoe & Kayak Race
Saturday, August 6
Time: Race Starts at 9:00 a.m.
A sixteen mile canoe and kayak race on the historic Missouri River! The race will start at LaBenite Park, in Sugar Creek, Missouri. The race will finish at Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. CLICK HERE for more information and to register for the race!

Archaeology Day
Saturday, August 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Professional archaeologists will present an overview of over 60 years of investigations which have enabled historians to establish both the historic and pre-historic history of this nationally recognized historic site.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses
Saturday, September 24
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom made wares, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.

30th Annual Fall Muster
Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, October 23
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Executed with historical accuracy, this annual re-enactment relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812, as Fort Osage hears for the first time war has been declared with Britain. Musket and cannons are made ready, civilians are conscript, and both residents and soldiers stationed at this remote frontier outpost are on alert. Visitors can literally feel the tension of the unknown and share the fear and excitement with our re-enactors as Fort Osage prepares for war!
CLICK HERE for the participant registration form.

All events are subject to change. For more information on Fort Osage please visit their website at www.makeyourdayhere.com.

UPDATED: 3 AUG 2016

The 26th Annual War of 1812 in the West Symposium

Posted on January 17, 2016January 17, 2016 by Administrator

Arrow Rock State Historic Site.

The 26th Annual War of 1812 in the West Symposium, to be held at Arrow Rock, State Historic Site Visitors Center, April 2-3, 2016. Saturday 9am to 5:00pm and Sunday 9am to Noon. Free to attend and Open to the Public. No Registration is required.

Presentations to Include:  ”Commodore Perry’s Marines: Revealing their True Identity” by John Steinle, “Major General Robert Ross, the Saving of Baltimore, 1814 and the ‘Boy Martyrs” Wells and McComas by Christopher T. George; William Clark and the Cooper Clan of the Boonslick Country by James Denny; “Post-war Military Land Bounties in the West” by Hal Youmans; “Who were Bryan and Morrison?: The Haliburton of Missouri’s War of 1812 by Lynn Morrow; The Corps and the War of 1812 by Lorna Hainesworth; “Light Give Light, To Light Discovery”: The Remarkable Career of Captain John C. Symmes by David C. Bennett; and more speakers including: Mike Dickey, Mike Harris and Eric Mathews.

The Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitor center is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive, just off Highway 41, one-quarter mile south of the town of Arrow Rock. For more information, contact Arrow Rock State Historic Site at (660) 837-3330 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll-free at 1-800-334-6946 (voice) or 1-800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com.

For more information on this event, please visit the Annual War of 1812 in the West Symposium website at www.1stusinfantry.com.

CLICK HERE for the War of 1812 in the West Symposium presentation schedule.

Fort Osage Volunteers Form The Society of Friends of Fort Osage

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Administrator

The Fort Osage Volunteers have formed The Society of Friends of Fort Osage. The group will work with Jackson County Parks + Rec to support Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. The Society of Friends of Fort Osage hopes to raise money for items needed at the Fort and to help develop new programs that will interest visitors. Everyone is welcome to join and you do not have to be a Fort Osage Volunteer.

Memberships are $10.00 for an individual, $15.00 for families and $6.00 for students. Some of the many benefits from joining include: free admittance to Fort Osage, a quarterly newsletter and events exclusively for Friends members.

To join, please complete the membership form posted below and mail it to: The Society of Friends of Fort Osage, PO BOX 195, Sibley, MO 64088.

The Society of Friends of Fort Osage Membership Application

The 29th Annual Fall Muster at Fort Osage

Posted on October 5, 2015September 26, 2015 by Administrator

A Fall Muster at Fort Osage.

The Twenty-Ninth annual Fall Muster at Fort Osage will take place October 24th and 25th. This event is executed with historical accuracy and relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812, as Fort Osage hears for the first time war has been declared with Britain.

Event Background: One Company of the 1st U. States Infantry garrisoned the post since September 1808, under the command of Captain Clemson, First Lieutenant Brownson and Ensign Bissell. With the news of the declaration of War arriving in late July of 1812 and the recent news of embarrassing defeats for the U.S. Army, the officers and men are clamoring to get into the fight. Long before the declaration of war against Great Britain, the Missouri Territory was already at war. Indian depredations seem to occur daily.

When the settlers at the Boonslick settlements were ordered to leave by Governor Howard, the Captain of the Militia, Sarshall Cooper replied:

“We have maid our hoams here. All we have is here. It wud ruen us to leave now. We be all good americans, not a tory or one of his pups among us. We have 2 hundred men and boys that will fight to the las and we have 100 wimen & girls…Makes a good force. So we can defend this settlement with God’s help we will do so. If we had a few barls of powder and 2 hundred lead is all we ask.”

Throughout the summer and early fall of 1812, Ranger companies were forming and the Militia were called out to drill, build fortifications and serve on keelboats as guard escorts.

Fort Osage is the Western most out-post in the United States. Men are enlisting in the regulars or enrolled into the militia. There is gnawing concern over the defense of the frontier. In the wide open space of the western territories, militia and rangers were serving side by side with the regulars. Captain Clemson again finds himself tasked with inspecting and training Militia and Rangers at Fort Osage. Clemson would also serve as General Howard’s Inspector general during the Peoria Indian Campaign of 1813. Fort Clemson was built by Missouri Rangers and mounted militia in late 1813 and named for the regular Army officer who gained admiration for the pluck of the rangers and the militia during the campaign against the Pottawatomie’s at Peoria.

EVENT SCHEDULE:
Saturday October 24
09:00 Troop Parade Guard Mount
10:00 Militia Musters into service - Ladies “Work Bag” Bee - Mrs. Clemson’s quarters.
11:00 Infantry Drill
12:00 Roll Call
13:00 Court Martial Blockhouse One
14:00 Artillery Drill - Ladies Tea in Sibley’s Dining Room
15:00 Blockhouse Defense
16:00 Retreat Parade & Evening gun

Sunday October 25
09:00 Troop Parade Guard Mount
10:00 Church Call
11:00 Inspection & Review
12:00 Roll Call
13:00 Artillery Drill
14:00 Infantry Drill
15:00 Retreat Parade & Evening gun

For more information on this event, please visit the website of the recreated Clemson’s Company of the 1st U. States Infantry at www.1stusinfantry.com or by contacting Fort Osage.

40th Annual Missouri Town 1855 Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Administrator

Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts & Crafts. Photo Credit: Jackson County, Missouri

Missouri Town 1855 will be having their annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music on October 3rd and 4th. You can enjoy 1850’s music and dance, horse-drawn buggy rides, hot-spiced cider, children’s games, period arts and crafts and fun-filled hay rides at the Fall Festival.

Missouri Town 1855 was never a real village in which real people lived and worked. Instead, it is a reconstruction of what a person may have found at a Missouri crossroads during the mid-19th Century. The buildings in the village were moved to Missouri Town 1855 from other locations in seven different western Missouri counties. These are actual buildings from the mid-19th Century. The year 1855 was chosen to interpret because it was the last year before the Kansas-Missouri border fighting began to disrupt the area. By 1856, shootings, lynchings and other violence had polarized pro-slavery and anti-slavery adherents into open conflict.

The festival will be open on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission for the festival is $10.00 per car/van or $20.00 per school/commercial bus. Please, no pets.
For more information on Missouri Town 1855 please visit their website at www.jacksongov.org/missouritown or you can call them at (816) 524-8770.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage

Posted on September 1, 2015August 28, 2015 by Administrator

Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors at Fort Osage, will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom-made objects, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.

This annual event will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information please contact Fort Osage, by phone: (816) 650-3278 or visit their website: www.makeyourdayhere.com/fortosage.

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King George II.

An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King Louis XV. Note: this invitation is written in French. — An invitation to attend the Grand Festival of Chez les Canses at Fort Osage from King Louis XV. Note: this invitation is in French.

The Unknown Travels and Dubious Pursuits of William Clark

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Administrator

On Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch, historian Jo Ann Trogdon will discuss her new book “The Unknown Travels and Dubious Pursuits of William Clark”. The book examines Clark’s activities more than five years before his epic journey and presents evidence—gleaned from her examination of his leather-trimmed journal—that links him to a series of treasonous plots dubbed the “Spanish Conspiracy.” It involved corrupt officials who sought to line their pockets with Spanish money and convince American frontier settlers along the Mississippi River to break away from the U.S.

The discussion will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 6:30pm. The Central Kansas City Library is located at 14 West 10th Street, in Kansas City, MO.

CLICK HERE for more information and to RSVP.

Jackson County Parks + Rec Offers Military Appreciation Days

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Administrator

Jackson County Parks + Rec is once again offering Military Appreciation Days every Wednesday now through Veterans Day. Veterans and Active Duty military personnel will receive free admission to various Jackson County Parks + Rec attractions. The free admission includes Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town 1855. Active duty and retired service men and women can also receive complimentary boat rides, golf and free admission to the beaches at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Longview Lake.

For more information visit the Jackson County Parks + Rec website at www.makeyourdayhere.com

A Short List of Common Misconceptions Regarding Fort Osage

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Administrator

This short list of common misconceptions regarding Fort Osage was compiled by Steve Wilson, Retired Site Administrator at Fort Osage National Historic Landmark.

During the passing of time, a localized population, whose memory is associated with historic sites, may exhibit a rich and diverse transformation of fact into myth. The supporting folklore can manifest itself into fairly bizarre questions and assumptions pertaining to specific characters and events. From core facts, fanciful conceptions develop which following generations synthesize into further strange tales.

This maybe the result of poor research, incorrect reporting, flawed recall or dissatisfaction with the truth. Often times the intent of the original source is harmless. The individual migrates bits and pieces of data from one story to fill gaps in another. Though this is common among all racial and ethnic types the end result may be catastrophic where history is concerned. It must be stated that there are those who, in a premeditative way, wantonly mislead the public in to, “…spice up the story, a bit.”

For those whose work involves daily contact with visiting public at a recognized historic site, it is their responsibility to be on guard against misleading the public, for any reason. Stretching the truth is always an incorrect means of communicating historical fact. By doing so we injure our credibility and cast doubts on our own relevance as interpreters and historians.

Below you will find a sample of general misconceptions the staff has encountered at Fort Osage NHL. Most of these are derived from casual questions asked and comments made by visitors.

We trust you will find these both humorous and frightening!

What happened to the caves/tunnels from the Factory to …?
- The boat landing
- Blockhouse #5
- Blockhouse #4
Where are the original arrowheads that were sticking in the original stockade?
Where are the repelling poles?
What can you tell me about General Sibley and his soldiers who saved the Fort during the 14 day siege?
“The Gibraltar of the West” - Fort Osage of the Alps by Green.
Osage men were seven feet tall and they all looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
These are the original structures.
What did they make in the Factory?
The original Fort burned during an Indian attack.
The Fort was used during the Civil War.
Isn’t this a western Calvary post?
The soldiers were here to attack the Indians.
Lewis and Clark…
- Built this with the Corps of Discovery in 1804
- Came up river together in 1808 to build the Fort.
The Trade Room was used by white trappers, traders, pioneers and early settlers to acquire supplies.
The red line in the basement was the high water mark for the flood of 1951/1993.
Nails weren’t available in this form back then.
They didn’t have saws/tools like that back then.
5,000 - 6,000 Indians lived here during the Forts occupation.

The Historic Art, Arms & Accoutrements Encampment at Fort Osage

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Administrator

This Pre-1815 event is presented by and for re-enactors who appreciate the skills and craftsmanship it took to build a nation. Quality makers and artisans may include gun builders, quill workers, blacksmiths, bowyers, potters, knife makers, carpenters, horn makers, leatherworkers, painters, tailors, tanners, weavers and other primitive arts and skills. As always, the general public is welcome and encouraged to attend! The Historic Art, Arms & Accoutrements encampment will be held at Fort Osage May 15, 16 & 17 2015.

If you are a re-enactor and would like to participate in this event CLICK HERE for registration information.

This event is sponsored by the Society of Friends of Fort Osage and Jackson County Parks + Rec.