Fort Gibson 1870s Hospital Visitor Center grand opening

After years of work and perseverance, the renovations of the 1870s hospital at the Fort Gibson Historic Site are complete. On Saturday, November 2, at 11 a.m., the site will hold a celebration to mark this milestone. The public is invited to see the new exhibits and learn more about the renovation process at the event.

The hospital, built in the 1870s for $12,000, provided much-needed medical care to citizens on the post. The US Army used it as a weather station until the US Signal Service took over in 1890, making it one of Oklahoma’s first weather stations. The Oklahoma Historical Society acquired the property in the early 1980s after it had been used as a private residence for more than 70 years.

The first phase of rehabilitation was completed in 2017. It addressed problems with the building’s structural integrity and gave it a much-needed new roof. Zenith Construction of Tahlequah was awarded the construction contract. Zenith Construction previously worked with the OHS on the construction of the Visitor Center at Honey Springs Battlefield in Checotah.

The renovated hospital will feature orientation areas, a gift shop, gallery spaces, site maps and a replica hospital ward. Funds for the project were provided through the maintenance of state buildings revolving fund managed by the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission and OHS maintenance funds.

For more information please call 918-478-4088. The Fort Gibson Historic Site is located at 907 N. Garrison Ave. in Fort Gibson, and the hospital is located at 803 N. Garrison Ave.