Fort Bissell, built in 1872 in Phillips County, Kansas, on the land of John Bissell, was built while roving bands of Indians were still in the area.

John Bissell and William Bissell, his brother, were among the earliest settlers of Phillipsburg, Kansas. John and his wife, Rebecca, came to Phillips County and staked their claim about eight miles west of Phillipsburg in the spring of 1872. Later that year, the governor officially proclaimed Phillipsburg the county seat.

Fort Bissell was never a Federal Military Post; it was built by early settlers, many of whom were Civil War veterans, for protection against Indians. It was on John Bissell’s land that the earliest settlers constructed the stockade in which they could barricade themselves from an impending Indian attack.

Fort Bissell was located on a bend of Bissell Creek, 2.5 miles west of the current site, in Phillipsburg. The Fort was constructed of cottonwood logs, sharply pointed on the ends above the ground. It was protected by steep banks on three sides- the north, south, and west. Inside, there was a cabin for provisions and a lean-to on the north wall for shelter from the elements. 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 to the Fort. The fort was never attacked.

In 1878, after the Cheyenne Indian Massacre in Decatur County, in which 40 settlers were killed, it was decided that the last of the Indian troubles had been seen in this area. Fort Bissell was then dismantled

The City of Phillipsburg erected a replica of Fort Bissell in 1962.

Sponsored by the Phillips County Historical Society, it serves as the Fort Bissell Museum in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

All of the buildings are originally from Phillips County. Nearly all the items and artifacts were donated or loaned by county residents.

The museum is a non-profit organization and is free for anyone to visit.

Sitting right on Highway 36, at 501 Fort Bissell Avenue in Phillipsburg, Kansas, and attracts many visitors in season who are really just passing by.

The Fort Bissell Museum is open to visitors Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The Museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and July 4. Phone – 785.543.6212