Press Release
January 4, 2024
Contact: Calista Stephens
Fort Towson Historic Site, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-873-2634
fttowson@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/forttowson
2024 Events at the Fort Towson Historic Site to Celebrate 200th Anniversary
FORT TOWSON, Okla. — The Fort Towson Historic Site has a full slate of exciting events lined up for 2024 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the fort’s establishment. The fort was vital to the westward expansion of the United States from 1824 until it was closed in 1854.
“A common theme in the life of the fort was building roads to improve communication and transportation,” said site manager Calista Stephens. “The fort was really a transportation hub. The network of roads that comes together here is a physical reminder that Fort Towson was a destination. This year’s events will emphasize the importance of the fort in westward expansion as well as the enduring relationships with the Choctaw and Chickasaw people that continue to this day.”
The annual Education Day for students is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, and will be followed by an 1840s encampment on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9. Visitors will learn from living historians who use their clothing, skills and knowledge to spark imaginations and bring history to life.
“It’s not about memorizing dates or names. Living history is about touching, feeling and connecting with those who came before us,” Stephens added.
On Monday, April 8, visitors can view the historic total eclipse in the setting of an 1840s encampment. The site has plans to eliminate as much light pollution as possible during the event. The site boasts approximately 90 acres of cleared land where guests can have a clear view of the eclipse.
The 200th celebration will be on Saturday, May 18. The ceremony will recognize the contribution of the soldiers who manned Fort Towson when it was active, all while celebrating the tremendous contributions of the Choctaw and Chickasaw people.
On Saturday, July 20, the site will team up with the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division to host a Community Image Scanning Day. During this event, guests may bring images or documents they want to preserve. Staff will scan the items and collect any information that may be available. Guests will take their original images and documents home.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our patrons to preserve and share their history,” said Stephens. “We hear too many stories of one-of-a-kind documents that were lost. With this technology, we can not only save the images but make them searchable on The Gateway to Oklahoma History.”
History education will be the focus during the summer with the second annual History Day Camp for youth ages 9-11 from Tuesday, May 28, through Thursday, May 30, and again during the Teacher’s Institute from Sunday, July 7, to Wednesday, July 10. Fall events will include the Cinnamon Roll Social on Saturday, September 28, and the Doaksville Candlelight Tour on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12. Christmas at the Fort will be held on Saturday, December 14.
The site will host a number of workshops and programs throughout the year. For more information, call 580-873-2634 or email fttowson@history.ok.gov. The Fort Towson Historic Site is located at 896 N. 4375 Rd. in Fort Towson.
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.
