All of the buildings are originally from
Phillips County. Nearly all of the items were
donated or loaned from county citizens. The fort
was built in 1872 on the land of John Bissell,
while roving bands of Indians were still in the
area. It was located on a bend of Bissell Creek;
miles west of Phillipsburg. It was protected by
steep banks on three sides, the north, south,
and west. The Fort was constructed on cottonwood
logs, sharply pointed on the ends above ground.
Inside, there was a cabin for provisions and a
lean-to on the north wall which was used for
shelter from the elements.
Fort Bissell was never a Federal Military Post,
but was built by settlers as their means of
protection against the Indians. Many were Civil
War veterans,
however, and when they gathered at the Fort
during an alert, they would throw out their
picket lines and advance scouts. The fort was
kept stocked with provisions at all times, so
that when riders warned the settlers, all they
had to do was ride for the Fort. In 1878, after
the Cheyenne Indian Massacre in Decatur county
in which 40 settlers were killed, the Fort was
torn down, as it was decided that the last of
the Indian troubles had been seen in this area.
The Fort Bissell Museum is open to visitors Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The Museum is closed Sundays and Mondays and July 4th.