Fort Washita
Fort Washita (1842-1865) - A U.S. Army post established in 1842 by Captain George A.H. Blake, 2nd U.S. Dragoons in Bryan County, Oklahoma. Abandoned by U.S. troops in 1861 at the beginning of the U.S. Civil War. Occupied by Confederate troops throughout the war, finally abandoned in 1865. Never re-occupied by U.S. Troops.
 |
 |
 | |
Fort Washita History
A U.S. Army post established in 1842 by Captain George A.H. Blake, 2nd U.S. Dragoons in Bryan County, Oklahoma.
The post was constructed as an open plan western fort with a central parade surrounded by post buildings. Large two story stone barracks lined the south and west sides of the parade with a single story stone bachelor officer's quarters (BOQ) on the east side The Adjutant's office and a school were placed at the north end. Officers row was built along a cobbled road to the north that ended with the new hospital (1857). The commissary and other support buildings were located behind the south side barracks.
The post was abandoned by U.S. troops on 16 Apr 1861 at the beginning of the U.S. Civil War. Fort Washita was occupied by Confederate troops the day after Union troops left and they remained there throughout the war, finally abandoned it in 1865. Most of the fort was destroyed by a fire of unknown orign on 1 Aug 1865 and was never re-occupied by U.S. Troops.
Current Status
Part of Fort Washita State Park, Bryan County, Oklahoma
|
{"selectable":false,"width":"500"} |
Location: Near Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma. Maps & Images Lat: 34.102874 Long: -96.5463855 |
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 658
- Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 127
Links:
Visited: 20 Oct 2011
Fort Washita Picture Gallery
|
Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |
-
Fort Washita Bake House Ruins -
Fort Washita Commissary Ruins -
Fort Washita Old Hospital -
Fort Washita CSA Cemetery
