The Oldest Town In Oklahoma That’s Loaded With Fascinating History
By Ashley|Published July 13, 2022
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Ashley
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 25 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't exploring Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beaches of California.
Fort Gibson might be a popular lake destination town today but it began as a military base in 1824, making it the oldest town in Oklahoma. Military families and Native Americans wanting military protection made roots in this small town due to its safety measures and location. It was the furthest town west that served as a military post so it was a very important base for the US army. The army abandoned the town in 1857 and then returned to it during the American Civil War. As you can imagine, Fort Gibson is loaded with a fascinating history and there’s even a historical site that is open to the public so you can see first-hand what life was like in the early days.
One of the more popular attractions in Fort Gibson is the Historical Site which is located at 907 North Garrison Avenue. It is open to the public and they charge a nominal fee to tour the site.
There are also several exhibits and unique living history events and programs throughout the year. As a former military haven for the US, there is so much to learn about here.
Many of the original buildings still stand today and are open to view. The town of Fort Gibson is a National Historic Landmark so there is plenty of history to discover all around town.
Another piece of history that you will want to check out is the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. It was established as a national cemetery in 1868 and is open today for self-guided tours.
Today, many people visit this historic town to enjoy Fort Gibson Lake. It was completed in 1953 and is a beautiful place to enjoy some serenity. As an important part of Oklahoma's military history, Fort Gibson sure has some stories to tell.
Fort Gibson not only is the oldest town in Oklahoma but it also had the first telephone, first drama theater, and first school for the blind in the state.
If you love nature but not the crowds, head to Sequoyah State Park on the shores of Fort Gibson Lake. This state park is not as crowded as other state parks in Oklahoma, so you’ll practically have it all to yourself. It’s a haven for nature lovers and the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors in a serene and relaxing environment.
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