Civil War historians who reside in the Four States and those of the area will converge this weekend on Baxter Springs, Kansas. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Baxter Springs, Kansas is about 6 miles away from the Missouri state line and during the American Civil War the area was hotly contested between the United States and the Confederacy. Fort Baxter as the area was also known was protected by 25 cavalry soldiers and up to 70 infantry of the United States Colored Troops.

The Battle of Baxter Springs, also known as the Baxter Springs Massacre was fought on October 6, 1863. It was a minor battle fought during the American Civil War. The result of this battle was a confederate victory with over 100 US soldiers killed. To remember this battle and relive the history of Baxter Springs, this weekend, reenactors in period attire will play out battle engagements at the 2021 Baxter Springs Civil War encampment. The two day event is taking place at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the historic Fort Blair site. The event is open to the public and starts at 8:30 Saturday morning. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro