Press Release
April 22, 2024
Contact: Calista Stephens
Fort Towson Historic Site, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-873-2634
fttowson@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/forttowson
Fort Towson 200th Commemoration Events Planned
FORT TOWSON, Okla. — The Fort Towson Historic Site will host a free living history event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the fort. The event will be held on May 18 from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Living historians will present a glimpse into the lives of military and civilians who lived on military forts during the time of Fort Towson. Scheduled presentations will be held every hour between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
10 a.m. – Wagon Delivery of Goods to Sutler Store
Interactions between the wagon teamsters and sutlers will highlight the importance of the civilian sutler at Fort Towson with an entertaining first-person dialogue and examples of 1800s merchandise. Reproductions of historic goods will be sold in the sutler store throughout the day.
11 a.m. – Presentation on Fort Towson’s Connection to the Choctaw and Chickasaw People
Local historian Kenny Sivard will discuss the connection between the establishment of Fort Towson and the Choctaw and Chickasaw people. Sivard was part of a project led by Dr. Lewis Stiles to place markers along the original military roads on which Native Americans traveled during their journey to Indian Territory.
Noon – Artillery Demonstration
Cannon fire was a daily part of life for soldiers at Fort Towson. When powder and ammunition were in good supply at the western frontier post, the day started and ended with the sound of a big gun. The artillery demonstration will discuss the types of cannons and accoutrements that were used during the time period of the fort.
1 p.m. – Presentation on Women’s Clothing During the Fort Towson Period
Kimberly Prack, historical interpreter from Nash Farms in Grapevine, Texas, will share examples of women’s clothing during the period of Fort Towson as a military post and discuss the way fashion changed during that time. Prack has intensely studied original period garments to gain an accurate understanding of textiles and clothing construction. Her teaching style allows guests to see, feel and touch historical reproductions, resulting in an in-depth educational experience tailored to the interests of guests.
2 p.m. – Demonstration of Teamsters Caring for Animals
Teamster Jerry Brandon will demonstrate how teamsters cared for their animals and the specifics of harnessing his team of mules, Bonnie and Clyde. Brandon will draw on his experience driving a team to stress the importance of protecting the team and developing responsive, willing animals.
Throughout the day, guests can explore the site and learn from living historians about period infantry, artillery, laundresses, officer’s wives, topographical engineers, 1st Choctaw mounted rifles, dragoons, historical music and fur trade.
Fort Towson Historic Site is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Fort Towson Historic Site are available upon request.
