Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum

On October 6, 1863, Fort Blair was attacked by William Quantrill and more than three hundred guerilla troops. Though greatly outnumbered, two companies of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry and a company of the Second Kansas Colored Infantry at the fort repulsed the attack. Quantrill turned north and attacked a military supply train under Gen. James Blunt, killing nearly all of Blunt's command, many while trying to surrender. The victims are buried in the national cemetery plot west of the present town of Baxter Springs. The Baxter Springs Heritage Center features an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts and gives a detailed account of the events in Baxter Springs and at Fort Blair. The Fort Blair Historic Site features a replication of the log breastworks at Fort Blair as well as interpretive signage. A twenty-three-minute video at the heritage center describes and interprets the October 6, 1863, events. The self-guided Civil War driving tour has been developed with roadside signage and an accomanying map and brochure.