Welcome to Artillery Bowl at Fort Sill, Oklahoma! This historic location has played an integral role in the development and training of artillery units for over a century. Located on what was once the grounds of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache reservation, Fort Sill was established by Major General Philip Sheridan in 1869 as a means to control Native American tribes in the region.

As you stand amidst the rolling hills and open plains that surround Artillery Bowl, its difficult not to be captivated by the expansive views and the sense of history that permeates this place. The bowl itself, which is approximately 1.5 miles wide and encompasses a total area of about 40 acres, was initially used as an ammunition storage site in the late 1800s. However, it wasnt long before its strategic location made it the perfect spot for artillery training exercises.

Artillery Bowl is home to several significant artifacts that provide insight into the evolution of artillery warfare at Fort Sill. One such piece is a restored 4.7-inch artillery gun from World War I, which stands as a testament to the technological advancements of the time and the role this weapon played in the global conflict.

As you make your way through the bowl, take note of the numerous firing positions that have been carved out along its perimeter. These are remnants of countless hours spent honing the skills of artillery gunners over the years, as they learned to calculate distance, angle, and wind speed in order to accurately target enemy positions.

As you continue your tour of Artillery Bowl, imagine the cacophony of sounds that would have filled this space during a training exercise – the roar of explosions echoing off the surrounding hillsides, the sharp crack of gunfire, and the thunderous reverberations of artillery shells as they soared overhead.

Today, Artillery Bowl is still an active part of Fort Sills artillery training programs, serving as a vital resource for the United States Army. In fact, it remains one of the few remaining locations in the country where artillery units can practice live-fire exercises on such a grand scale.

So whether youre standing atop one of the many firing positions or simply gazing out over the breathtaking landscape, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and enduring significance of Artillery Bowl at Fort Sill – a testament to the power of artillery warfare and the dedication of those who continue to serve our nation.