6 Must-See Historic Forts In Oklahoma

Across Oklahoma are the remains of forts that once stood at the center of some of the most pivotal moments in American history. Built in the early and late 1800s, the outposts that you'll read about served many different purposes. Some protected Native nations and newly arrived settlers, while others acted as supply bases, prisoner-of-war camps, and even staging grounds during the Civil War. Some forts also became bustling hubs with stone barracks and parade grounds, while others faded quickly, leaving behind only traces on the land.

Today, several of these sites have been preserved as museums and landmarks, where visitors can walk through original buildings, view artifacts, and learn about the people who lived and worked there. Together, they tell the story of how Oklahoma’s landscape shaped and was shaped by the nation’s frontier past.

Fort Gibson

From 1824 to 1890, Fort Gibson in the town of Fort Gibson stood as the westernmost U.S. military fort, playing a key role in military planning and at one point housing more soldiers than any other fort west of the Mississippi River. By 1832, Congress had set up a commission at Fort Gibson to manage the relocation of Native American tribes from the East to Indian Territory. During that decade, the fort became a central hub for treaty negotiations with local tribes and a dispersal site for Seminole and Creek communities after their long journey from the southeastern United States.

Today, the Fort Gibson Historic Site stands as a cherished landmark in the area, preserved by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Wander through the reconstructed log stockade, stroll past original and restored stone buildings, explore the museum, browse the gift shop, or take a relaxing walk along the scenic trail. The site is open five days a week, with a small entrance fee and closures on certain holidays, and offers living history demonstrations, educational programs, and engaging exhibits in the visitor center.

Fort Washita

Fort Washita, located in Durant, was established in 1842 as the southwesternmost U.S. military post, tasked with maintaining peace for the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations under treaty agreements. The fort faced numerous challenges, from raids by Plains tribes and intrusions by Texas militias to conflicts over hunting grounds, as well as the presence of traders and trappers. It remained an active military post until the Civil War, when Confederate forces occupied and eventually largely destroyed it before fleeing in 1865. Afterward, the fort became part of the Chickasaw Nation’s lands and was later allotted to the Charles and Abbie Davis Colbert family.

In 1962, the Oklahoma Historical Society acquired Fort Washita, restoring it as a historic site and museum. The Chickasaw Nation now manages and maintains the fort, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. The site features restored buildings, Civil War reenactments, and events, such as the Fur Trade Era Rendezvous. Throughout the year, it also hosts seasonal celebrations, storytelling sessions, and outdoor movie nights. The Fort Washita Historic Site is open five days a week, with group tours available by appointment only.

Fort Reno

Fort Reno, established in 1874 near El Reno, began as a military camp to protect the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes during the Indian Wars. Named in 1876 in honor of Gen. Jesse L. Reno, the fort played a key role in frontier history, from enforcing land allotments to managing conflicts during the land rushes. After closing as an active military post in 1908, it continued as a quartermaster remount depot and later served as a World War II prisoner-of-war camp. A few years after the war ended, the U.S. Army left the site, which is now operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grazinglands Research Laboratory.

Historic Fort Reno, Inc., a nonprofit organization, manages the site, including the Fort Reno Visitor Center and Museum, which has exhibits on the fort’s military and cultural heritage. Several annual events, including Fort Reno Tombstone Tales, the Firing of the Christmas Guns, and the Wreaths Across America ceremony, are also hosted there. The center and museum are open Monday through Friday, closed on weekends and most federal holidays, and there is a small, affordable admission fee for all ages.

Fort Cobb

Fort Cobb’s roots trace back to a short-lived military post established in 1859 near the Washita River. Originally built to protect the Wichita and other relocated tribes from raids, the fort saw only a few years of use before being abandoned during the Civil War. Troops briefly returned in 1868 as part of Gen. Philip Sheridan’s campaign to move tribes onto reservations, but by the spring of 1869, the Army shifted its presence to the newly built Fort Sill. With that, Fort Cobb was left behind, and today only faint traces of the original site remain.

While little survives of the historic fort itself, the Fort Cobb name lives on through the nearby town and Fort Cobb State Park, a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Centered around the 4,000-acre Fort Cobb Lake, the park offers cabins, campsites, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.

Fort Sill

Fort Sill, established in 1869 near present-day Lawton, was created to serve as a military post on the southern plains. It played a key role in the U.S. Army’s efforts to control the Comanche, Kiowa, and other tribes during the Indian Wars. Over time, it became an important training and operational base for the Field Artillery. Throughout its history, Fort Sill has seen the service of notable units such as the Buffalo Soldiers and has been linked to significant military figures and campaigns. The fort grew steadily, adding barracks, chapels, and other facilities, and remained an active military installation.

Today, the site is home to the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, which spans 142 acres and includes nearly 40 historic buildings filled with artifacts, exhibits, and immersive displays. Entry is free, but visitors aged 16 and older must first check in at the Fort Sill Visitor Control Center to receive a pass. The site is open five days a week but closes on certain major holidays.

Fort Towson

Established in 1824, Fort Towson once stood as a frontier stronghold on the edge of Indian Territory. It was built to keep order between settlers, Native peoples, and outlaws, and later became a gateway for pioneers heading into Texas, welcoming legendary figures like Davy Crockett and Sam Houston along the way. The fort went on to play a role in the Mexican-American War, served as a dispersal point for relocated Choctaw and Chickasaw people, and even became Confederate headquarters during the Civil War, where Gen. Stand Watie made the last Confederate surrender in 1865. Though it was abandoned long before Oklahoma statehood, the site remains one of the state’s most storied landmarks.

The Fort Towson Historic Site, currently managed by the Oklahoma Historical Society, has a visitor center with engaging exhibits, a reconstructed sutler store, a teamster’s cabin, and walking trails that lead through the remains of the original fort. Special events, such as Living History Education Day, Doaksville Candlelight Tours, and Christmas at the Fort, add an interactive touch that makes history feel alive. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the site is open five days a week with a small admission fee and is closed around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just a short walk away, the Fort Towson Museum complements the experience with artifacts and stories from the region.

Discovering Oklahoma's Most Historic Forts

When you visit Oklahoma’s historic forts, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. Each site holds a different part of the story, from the bustling military presence once found at Fort Gibson to the quiet traces that remain at Fort Cobb. Some forts bring history to life through reenactments and living history events, while others invite you to explore trails, museums, and restored structures that capture the spirit of the 19th century. Whether fully preserved or marked only by remnants, these forts are lasting pieces of Oklahoma’s heritage, reminders of the challenges, changes, and communities that shaped life on the frontier.