Oklahoma history created by the oklahoma history center education department. Washita was established in 1842 to protect the chickasaw and choctaw indians from the plains indians. The mission of fort washita was to protect the chickasaw and choctaw tribes from the plains indians and was abandoned after the civil war in 1865. Towana spivey, retired historian and archeologist, examines water wells at six wellknown, nineteenthcentury historic sites in southern oklahoma. This site is like a library, use search box in the widget to get ebook that you want. List of books and articles about oklahoma history online. It was established in 1842 by general zachary taylor, who later went on. Explore the fascinating history of fort washita, located 15 miles northwest of durant at 3348 state road 199.
Ghosts and legends of oklahoma is a great read for those who love history and ghosts stories alike. Click download or read online button to get washita book now. The post was the southwesternmost fort in the united states at the time. Youll read about the ghost of a young woman that appears twice a year early spring and early fall, the floating head of a young soldier searching for his body, the ghost of a young mother searching for her baby, and a pretty indian girl who offers to lead someone to a cache of lost gold. Fort washita, oklahoma was established in 1842 by general zachary taylor to protect the choctaw and chickasaw nations from the plains indians. I had heard the stories for years, ghosts wandering the. Norman and records his experiences in his book, a tour of the prairies. Fort cobb was a united states army post established in what is now caddo county, oklahoma in 1859 to protect relocated native americans from raids by the comanche, kiowa, and cheyenne. Fort cobb fort the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and. The familysearch catalog lists films of probate records. For his actions at gettysburg he was brevetted a brig.
Located in durant, oklahoma, fort washita was built in 1842 and served as a former united states military post in northern bryan county. The ghosts of fort washita tells about paranormal activity in f. Fort washita the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and. In 1892, some fort reno troopers were dispatched to the choctaw capitol of tuskahoma to help quell a political dispute among the five civilized tribes. Montgomery by charles evans, herbert hiram champlin by henry b. Contact the craig county genealogy society, to see if the above books are available.
Landmarks in oklahoma oklahoma in the american civil war prestate history of oklahoma forts in. In 1898, fort reno troops distinguished themselves in the spanishamerican war in cuba. Location of fort washita on a current map of southern oklahoma. Fort washita is just one of the many places you can visit while staying in caddo. Ben clark 18421914 washita battlefield national historic. In 1900, the people of washita county, by a vote of 1,349 in favor to 282 in opposition, illegally moved the courthouse under gunfire to cordell, which was located in the exact center of the county. Established in 1842 by general later president zachary taylor to protect citizens of the choctaw and chickasaw nations from the plains indians it was later abandoned by federal forces at the beginning of the american civil war. East shawnee trail from fort washita to baxter spring, ks. Nov 22, 2019 colonel george custer massacres cheyenne on washita river. At the age of thirteen, he traveled to fort bridger, wyoming, where he served as post courier. In 1962, the fort was acquired by the oklahoma historical society, who restored some of the fort s original structures. Download pdf washita free online new books in politics.
View all hotels near fort washita historic site on tripadvisor. Fort washita is located at 3348 ok199 durant, oklahoma 74701. Sometime between those years, a murder took place which may have given the fort its resident ghost or at least one of them. Fort washita, oklahoma long recognized as one of the historic gems of the state, the location also has a long history of paranormal stories. Today, fort washita is a national historic landmark. Blake would later go on to serve in the union army with distinction. The magnolia festival is one of the largest events in southern oklahoma held annually the weekend after memorial day since 1997.
Fort washita was established in 1842 as a military post near durant, oklahoma. To find the records for this county, use the place search for oklahoma washita probate records. Indians who had been making raids in kansas and oklahoma that summer. Fort washita while books, movies and folklore have led to legends about the mountain men of the rockies and the voyageurs of minnesota and canada, fur trappers in what is now oklahoma have received less attention. An evenhanded account of a tragic clash of cultureson november 27, 1868, the u. Sitting close to the washita river, along the old texas road, the fort is a scenic, contemplative and quiet place where one can really reflect on history. Challenge grant may help fund rebuilding of barracks at. Fort washita, oklahoma protecting the civilized tribes legends. Fort washita the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and culture. After years in private hands the oklahoma historical society bought the fort grounds in. Forgotten forts series fort washita ok forgotten forts. Fort washita, durant, united states tourist information. Trading, trapping skills preserved, reenactors to gather at.
The fort was built to safeguard the choctaw and chickasaw nations from the rival plains indians but was later abandoned at the beginning of the civil war. In 1857, he enlisted in a battalion of volunteers under colonel albert s. With the mexican war and after gold was discovered in california, fort washita became center of activity. The book is both fun and at times may make you feel a bit of chill.
Colonel george custer massacres cheyenne on washita river. Added to the national register of historic places in 1966, the fort served as a former united states military post during the civil war. Built in 1842 and operated through 1865, fort washitas purpose was to protect the. Ghosts and legends of oklahoma showcases haunted history. Fort washita historic site american battlefield trust. Early military forts and posts in oklahoma page 57 the. Greene this is the best of a halfdozen or so books ive read about the u. Positioned one and onehalf miles east of the washita river, and about eighteen miles north of the red river, the site of fort washita was approved by gen. The history of oklahoma refers to the history of the state of oklahoma and the land that the state now occupies. They flourished for nearly a halfcentury, starting with trading posts on the arkansas and red rivers as early as 1779.
Fort washita is the former united states military post and national historic landmark located in. Its located twelve miles east of madill on sh 199, twelve miles northwest of durant some websites say 15 miles. Visitors can explore the grounds and remaining buildings, learn fort washita s history in the small museum and take a walk on the trails. Fort washita in durant, oklahoma chickasaw country. In 1962, the fort was acquired by the oklahoma historical society, who. Texas confederates immediately seized fort cobb, but they soon left, and the fort remained vacant for most of the war. Dont forget to include historic fort washita in your agenda. Forts in oklahoma livros na amazon brasil 9781155194745. From looking at the map, was it the only fort in that particular area or were there others.
Established in 1842 in the choctaw nation, fort washita served as the southwesternmost military post of the united states and protected the recently immigrated choctaws and chickasaws from intruders who posed a threat to the stability of the area. Located in present bryan county, oklahoma, fort washita was established in 1842. Fort towson, fort washita, the chickasaw white house, the chickasaw national capitol, the kiowa and comanche commissary at fort sill, and the former home site of quanah parker, the famous comanche leader. It has a very interesting history which you can read. Barbara kingsolvers heaven in pigs in heaven is supposed to be in cherokee county, oklahoma.
Realizing his command would be isolated if arkansas and texas seceded, emory evacuated his troops north to fort leavenworth, kansas. Washita county is located in that part of western oklahoma which was included in county h of the territory of oklahoma, an organized incorporated territory of the united states that existed from 2 may 1890, until 16 november 1907, when it was joined with the indian territory and admitted to the union as the state of oklahoma. Fort washita historic site and museum adventure road. After the civil war, fort arbuckle was occupied by buffalo soldiers. After establishing fort sill the army abandoned fort cobb.
Hey, its the week of halloween so lets have some fun and talk about one of the most haunted places in oklahoma fort washita. Fort washita is the former united states military post and national historic landmark located in durant, oklahoma on sh 199. Small, but nice visitor center where you can learn some history of the site and pick. Early military forts and posts in oklahoma the gateway. Fort washita established in presentday southeastern oklahoma to protect chickasaw. Positioned one and onehalf miles east of the washita river, and about. Established in 1842, under the command of general zachary taylor, the fort served as the southwesternmost military post of the united states.
The ghosts of fort washita tells about paranormal activity in fort washita, oklahoma. The west and south barracks at fort washita, ok, 2015. Learn about the lifestyle of the time period between 1820 and 1850 through. Oklahoma has divided its diverse landscape into six regions or countries each with a distinct flavor, image and unique cities and towns that make great destination sites. Ricksecker skillfully weaves bits of history together into a narrative using evidence and tales from eyewitnesses. The oklahoma land run by una belle townsend, oklahoma. Early military forts and posts in oklahoma the gateway to. The oklahoma historical society acquired fort washita in 1962 and restored it as a historic site and museum. Fort washita is the former united states military post and national historic landmark located near nida, oklahoma on sh 199. The battle of washita river also called battle of the washita or the washita massacre occurred on november 27, 1868 when lt. Built to protect the chickasaw and choctaw indians from plains indians and wagon trains moving west. Fort washita is today an historic site managed by the oklahoma historical society and listed on the national register. Cavalry attacked black kettles southern cheyenne camp on the washita river the presentday washita battlefield national historic site near cheyenne, oklahoma.
In 2016, the chickasaw nation partnered with the oklahoma historical society to assume. George armstrong custer attacked a southern cheyenne village along the washita river in presentday western oklahoma. Since 1981, fur trade rendezvous at fort washita features a living history festival of americas early explorers, trappers and traders. Fort reno soldiers also assisted with the land runs of 1892 and 1894. In 2016, the chickasaw nation partnered with the oklahoma historical society to assume responsibility and management of fort washita. Donald harington wrote a number of books set in the ozarks.
Sheridan was frustrated by the inability of his other officers. Built in 1842 and operated through 1865, fort washita s purpose was to protect the chickasaw and choctaw tribes from marauding plains tribes. Fort washita historic site durant 2020 what to know before you. Army attack on black kettles cheyenne village on the washita river in 1868. Durant area chamber of commerce about the city of durant. Download pdf the ghosts of fort washita free online. History of weather observing at fort washita, oklahoma 1842 1861.
Did you know that mile for mile, oklahoma offers the nations most diverse terrain. Book discussing the history behind the early forts and military camps in oklahoma, including fort towson, fort gibson, fort washita, etc. Fort washita historic site and museum is a mustvisit destination for military history buffs. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a cheyenne village led by peace chief black kettle. Fort washita, established in 1842, is a national historic landmark located in the outskirts of durant, oklahoma. The records are available at the county courthouse. The fort was established in 1841 and was abandoned to confederate forces in 1861. After the war, the fort was granted to the chickasaw nation and later the dawes commission allotted the fort and surrounding land to the charles and abbie davis colbert family. Fort washita historic site durant 2020 all you need to. Army and the southern cheyennes 186769 by jerome a. Turpin online on bookmate the ghosts of fort washita tells about paranormal activity in fort washita, oklahoma. Discover librarianselected research resources on oklahoma history from the questia online library, including fulltext online books, academic journals, magazines, newspapers and more. As a division of the oklahoma historical society, this history center tells the comprehensive story of oklahoma from the beginning, commemorating the civil war and its impact on oklahoma and the union.
Private car or shuttle to oklahomas choctaw durant casino. Fort washita, oklahoma protecting the civilized tribes. The following are instructions and information taken from a book published in 1851 entitled. Emory at the beginning of the civil war and remained abandoned until it was reoccupied in 1868. Washita county, oklahoma genealogy familysearch wiki. With an exceptional selection of more than 4,100 exciting slots, to actionpacked popular table games, including three.
After having been forced to move from their homelands in the southeastern united states to indian territory, the choctaw and chickasaw settled in what is now southern oklahoma. Areas of oklahoma east of its panhandle were acquired in the louisiana purchase of 1803, while the panhandle was not acquired until the u. American airlines along the butterfield mail route by vernon h. Today washita county has 44 ghost towns, which had a post office or a community store that no longer exist.
As early as march of 1907 a local newspaper recounted people traveling there to view the semiannual appearance of ghost said to appear the last day of march and the last day of october of each year. Located in the southcentral part of oklahoma are the ruins of fort washita. Greene, has produced another important book to add to his growing body of work. The post was originally established in 1842 by captain george alexander hamilton blake. Zachary taylor, commander of the second military department. Is format of early military forts and posts in oklahoma, ark. Fort washita is located in durant oklahoma and was built in 1841. They include wills, fee books, claim registers, legacy records, inheritance records, probate ticklers, and dockets. Metcalf by melvin harrel, guthrie from public land. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected.