Fort Washita was built in 1842 as the southwestern-most military post of the United States. The mission of Fort Washita was to protect the people of the recently immigrated Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. Fort Washita operated as a United States military post until the start of the Civil War in 1861. Confederate forces then occupied it through 1865 and almost entirely destroyed the fort as they fled at the end of the Civil War.
After the war, the fort was granted to the Chickasaw Nation. Later, the Dawes Commission allotted the fort to the Colbert family, who owned the property until the Oklahoma Historical Society acquired it in 1962. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historical Landmark.
Visitors to Fort Washita can tour restored structures, witness Civil War reenactments, and take part in the yearly Fur Trade Era Rendezvous to experience what life was like before and during the Civil War. Other events throughout the year include storytelling, outdoor movies, and special seasonal and holiday events that the whole family can enjoy.
For Additional Information – 3348 Highway 199, Durant, OK | (580)924-6502 | Facebook
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 30 - April 2 | Fort Washita Rendezvous