Welcome to the Fort Towson Historic Site, a place where layers of American history unfold against the backdrop of Oklahoma’s scenic landscape. Established in 1824 by Colonel Matthew Arbuckle, Fort Towson was initially named Cantonment Towson, honoring War of 1812 veteran Nathan Towson. Its founding was part of a strategic effort by the U.S. government to maintain order and facilitate the relocation of Native American tribes during a time of profound change.
In its early days, the fort was a modest collection of tents and wooden structures, but it quickly became a focal point for American expansion and conflict resolution. It served as a critical outpost on the border between the United States and Mexico, which at the time included present-day Texas. This strategic location made Fort Towson a hub for settlers traveling westward, including notable figures like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and Stephen F. Austin.
Throughout the 1830s, Fort Towson played a pivotal role in the forced relocation of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, serving as a point of arrival and dispersal for thousands. By 1834, over 12,000 Choctaws had arrived in the area, marking a significant chapter in the Trail of Tears.
During the Mexican-American War in 1846, the fort was a bustling staging ground for U.S. troops. However, as the frontier pushed further west, the fort’s military significance waned, leading to its abandonment in 1854. The Civil War brought new life to Fort Towson when it briefly became a Confederate headquarters. Here, in 1865, General Stand Watie, the last Confederate general to surrender, laid down his arms.
Today, visitors can explore the Fort Towson Historic Site, which includes a visitor center with exhibits on the fort’s rich history and the nearby town of Doaksville. Doaksville, once a bustling Choctaw Nation capital, offers a deeper look into the lives of those who lived and traded in the shadow of the fort. Additionally, the site features a reconstruction of the sutler store and teamster’s cabin, as well as a walking trail that guides visitors through the historic ruins.
A fascinating chapter in the site’s story is the tale of the steamboat Heroine, which sank in 1838 while en route to supply the fort. Artifacts from the wreck, now on display, offer a tangible connection to this era of river navigation and commerce.
Fort Towson’s legacy is preserved not only in its physical remnants but also through annual events like the 1840s Encampment and Education Day. These activities bring history to life, allowing visitors to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era.
