As you are probably aware this is the 150th anniversary of many significant events in frontier history in Western Kansas. Several events are being memorialized with 150th Anniversary Celebrations. One of the many such celebrations in Western Kansas is a four day celebration called: "The Great 1867 Fort Wallace and Western Kansas Exposition." I am forwarding this information to you because you have shown an interest to me in the History of the Smoky Hill Trail and in frontier history in Western Kansas. This is shaping up to be a premier history event with something for everyone. I encourage you to go to the Fort Wallace website to get your registration form and send it in right away. Registration on some events is limited and they will fill up fast. I look forward to seeing you at Fort Wallace.

     Below is Information about the events of the celebration but I have also included the text in case you cannot open the attachments.
     Lem Marsh

     In 1867, Wallace County, Kansas was a hotbed of conflict, as the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Kiowa tribes fought to defend their prime buffalo hunting grounds against travelers along the Smoky Hill Trail, as well as the American military that came to protect the route. Today, in 2017, an extensive commemoration comes to the tiny town of Wallace (pop. 50), bringing the most excitement since June 26th, 1867 when the 7th U.S. Cavalry battled 300 Cheyenne braves on the prairie north and west of Fort Wallace.

     The events of 150 years ago will be commemorated during "The Great Fort Wallace and Western Kansas 1867 Exposition," a Western Kansas multi-day event with tours, lectures, a major artwork unveiling, living historians, food, ceremonies and a concert featuring singer/songwriter Michael Martin Murphey. The Exposition dates are Monday, July 3rd (Sherman County); Thursday, July 6 (Logan and Scott Counties); and Friday-Sunday July 7-9 (Wallace County.) The purpose of these events is to highlight the people and events that made 1867 a pivotal year in Kansas and America. Some events require a fee, but others may be attended at no cost; local sponsors have made this event possible and affordable!

     On July 3, the story of the Kidder Massacre will be re-examined, telling of the ill-fated party (led by Lt. Lyman S. Kidder) that was sent to search for G.A. Custer and his command. Programming begins at 2 PM MDT at the High Plains Museum in Goodland, KS, featuring local historian Doug Whitson, followed by a 4 PM MDT program at the Massacre site. Re-enactors who plan to re-create Kidder’s ride from old Fort Sedgwick, CO will be at the site. Attendance is free: Info: {www.ftwallace.com} or call (785.890.4595) or visit the High Plains Museum in Goodland, Kansas. This event is a cooperative effort between the Sherman County Historical Society, the High Plains Museum in Goodland and the Fort Wallace Memorial Association.

     Sesquicentennial events continue with a bus tour of the Western Vistas Historic Byway on Thurs.July 6. State geologist Rolfe Mandel will lend his expertise as we visit Logan and Scott Counties, visiting the Fick Fossil Museum, Historic Scott Lake Park, El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery. Bus tour departs from and returns to the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center in Oakley. The $50 fee includes lunch and supper; registration by June 30. Info: {www.ftwallace.com} or call or visit the Fort Wallace Museum at 785.891.3564.

     Distinguished historians and authors will discuss events of 1867 at an all-day symposium in the Fort Wallace Museum on Friday, July 7. Registration by June 30th; the $50 fee includes lunch. For an itinerary of the day and registration information, go to {www.ftwallace.com}, call (785.891.3564) or visit the Fort Wallace Museum to pick up registration materials.

     On Sat.July 8, festivities will begin at 9 AM MDT with the grand opening of the Milford Becker Addition to the Fort Wallace Museum and the unveiling of a life-sized bronze sculpture of Scout William Comstock by artist Jerry Thomas. The Becker addition features a cast of the 40-foot plesiosaur discovered by the post surgeon in 1867. An encampment will feature dozens of living historians from the first peoples to buffalo hunters, cowboys, and railroaders. The encampment is free of charge and there will be food vendors on premises.

     Cowboy singer/songwriter and rancher, Michael Martin Murphey, will be in concert on the Fort Wallace Museum grounds at 7 PM MDT/8 CDT. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased at {www.ftwallace.com} or may be bought in person at the Fort Wallace Museum. Only 300 tickets will be sold in advance.

     Sunday morning, July 9, the events will culminate in a horse-drawn procession to the Fort Wallace Cemetery (1.5 miles SE of Museum) with a 10 AM MDT ceremony to honor those who fought during this dramatic time in American history.

     Exposition Sponsorships are still available in amounts from $100 to $1000; a fundraiser raffle is also being held featuring a custom-engraved reproduction 1866 Yellow Boy, the first lever-action rifle produced by the fledgling company Winchester.

     For more information, check out {http://www.ftwallace.com}, email ftwallacemuseum@gmail.com, find the "Fort Wallace Museum" on Facebook or call the Museum at 785.891.3564.
     Lem Marsh