Camp Ben Butler facts for kids

In early May 1863, during the American Civil War, a temporary army camp was set up in what is now Baxter Springs, Kansas. This area was part of the Cherokee Strip (Kansas). The first camp was called Camp Hooker.

Later that month, while the camp's leader, Colonel James M. Williams, was away in Fort Scott, the soldiers moved the camp. They moved it about three blocks east to a place now known as Washington School Hill. The new camp was named Camp Ben Butler, after a famous general named Benjamin Butler.

A Fort in Kansas

Setting Up Camp

The new Camp Ben Butler was chosen because it was easy to defend. It sat on a high, flat area that covered more than two city blocks. There was only a small area to the south that allowed easy access into the camp. Most of the land around the camp was very difficult for people or horses to cross. This made it a strong position against attacks.

Early Challenges

The decision to move the camp quickly proved to be a good one. Even before Colonel Williams returned, Confederate guerrillas attacked. These were fighters led by Major Thomas R. Livingston. They fought a small Union force about two miles from Camp Ben Butler.

In June, more soldiers were sent to Camp Ben Butler. It seemed that Livingston and some Confederate Native American groups were planning to work together in the area. Livingston was a constant worry for the Union forces. However, he was killed in a fight in Stockton, Missouri, the next month.

Building Fort Blair

In late July 1863, a group of soldiers led by First Lieutenant Jason B. Bond began building a new fort. This new fort was called Fort Blair, also known as Fort Baxter (Kansas). It was built a short distance away from Camp Ben Butler. Fort Blair was finished in August, and the soldiers moved there from Camp Ben Butler.

The Attack on Fort Blair

On October 6, 1863, a large group of about 400 guerrillas attacked Fort Blair. These fighters were led by William C. Quantrill. After attacking Fort Blair, Quantrill's men then attacked a group of Union soldiers. These soldiers were led by Major General James Blunt and were approaching the area.

A Surprise Attack

General Blunt's force suffered heavy losses during the attack. Many of his soldiers were killed even when they tried to surrender. This event was a major blow to the Union forces in the area.

After the Battle

After Quantrill's attack, the soldiers who were at Fort Blair moved back into Camp Ben Butler. The survivors from General Blunt's force also joined them there. When news of the attack reached Fort Scott, at least five companies of soldiers were sent to help Baxter Springs. Soon after they arrived, they and Blunt's men returned to Fort Scott.

Leaving Baxter Springs

On October 20, the remaining soldiers were ordered to go back to Fort Scott. Everything that was not taken from Camp Ben Butler and Fort Blair was destroyed and burned. After this, Baxter Springs was no longer used as a military post.