Fort Montgomery
Replica built in 2000. Original cabin/fort built in 1855 five miles west of Mound City. The original building was the second cabin owned by James Montgomery as the first one was burned by proslavery Missouri Border Ruffians. The logs were placed vertically on the building and were so tightly fit together that bullets could not penetrate the walls. The family slept in the loft. The cabin had a cellar used to shelter fugitive slaves and was also an escape for Colonel Montgomery through a tunnel that went into the mound located near the structure. James Montgomery was a school teacher and a minister who came to the Kansas Territory in 1854 from Ohio to fight for the abolition of slavery. Colonel Montgomery was the free-state leader of a group of men called the "immortal fifty" who with their sharps rifles and proficient horsemanship became well known as the Kansas Jayhawkers. They were a force in the "bleeding Kansas" era of 1854-1861.Colonel Montgomery served in the Civil War and led colored troops in South Carolina. He worked with Harriet Tubman on raids. He fought in the battle at Minecreek. He died at his cabin/fort home west of Mound City in 1871 where he farmed and lived with his wife and seven children. He is buried in the National Cemetery in Mound City, grave #76. Replica built by community donations.
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