Fort Towson

Description

Fort Towson was established in 1824 in response to a need to quell conflicts between lawless elements, Native American peoples, and settlers claiming the area as part of Arkansas Territory. The fort also served as an outpost on the border between the United States and Texas, which at that time was part of Mexico. Connected to the East by road, Fort Towson served as a gateway for settlers bound for Texas during the 1830s. Those passing through the area included Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and Stephen F. Austin. When the Choctaw and Chickasaw were displaced from their lands in the Southeastern United States, the fort served as a point of dispersal upon their arrival in the west. The fort was also an important staging area for U.S. forces during the Mexican War of 1846. Fort Towson was abandoned in 1856 when the frontier moved west. During the Civil War, however, it served for a time as headquarters for Confederate forces operating in Indian Territory. In 1865 General Stand Watie surrendered his command near the fort to become the last Confederate general to lay down arms.

Website does not specify services available at the site.

Fort Washita

Description

Fort Washita was established in 1842 as the southwestern-most post in the United States. (Beyond the borders to the south and west was the Republic of Texas which had recently won its independence from Mexico.) The purpose of the post was to protect the Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians from the Plains Indians. For centuries the latter had used this area for hunting and were not happy with newcomers settling in the area. Troops stationed at Fort Washita from time to time in the 1840s included the 2nd Dragoons, the U.S. Regiment of Riflemen, the 6th Infantry, the 7th Infantry, and the 5th Infantry. During a portion of the 1850s the post served as the United States Army Field Artillery School. Throughout the 1840s and 1850s the post provided quarters for the United States Indian Agency to the Chickasaw and Choctaw governments. On April 16, 1861, the fort was abandoned by U.S. forces under the command of Colonel William Emory. The next day Fort Washita was occupied by Confederate forces and used during the War Between the States. For the next hundred years, the buildings were used by members of the Colbert family who were leaders of the Chickasaw Nation. The fort was acquired by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1962 and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Website does not specify services available at the site.

Marais des Cygnes State Historic Site

Description

On May 19, 1858, proslavery men killed five free state men and wounded five others in a ravine that is now listed as a National Historic Landmark. The shootings shocked the nation and became a pivotal event in the "Bleeding Kansas" era. A few months later, abolitionist John Brown came to the site and constructed a fortified cabin. Visitors to the site can learn more about free-staters and border ruffians and their stories.

Website provides no specifics about services offered at this site.

Fort Mims

Description

Fort Mims site commemorates the Fort Mims battle which took place August 30, 1813. The attack on Fort Mims is considered a leading cause of the Creek War of 1813-1814.

Site offers no staff or facilities, according to website.

Herman Davis State Park [AR]

Description

This one-acre park in Manila surrounds the gravesite of and monument to Private Herman Davis, Arkansas farm boy and war hero. Fourth on General John J. Pershing's list of World War I's 100 greatest heroes, Private Davis received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Croix de Guere, and the Medaulle Militaire awards from the American and French governments.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive services available at the site.