In the1830s when the federal government forced all of the southeastern Native American tribes onto reservations in Oklahoma they forgot an important detail. The land was already being used by other tribes as their hunting grounds and the newcomers weren't welcome. Forts were built to keep the peace. Fort Washita also served as a staging point during the Mexican-American war, a gathering place for settlers on the way to California, and a Confederate post during the Civil War. Eventually most of the Indian Territory was divided up into individual allotments and the fort structures were put to use as housing and farm buildings. The Oklahoma Historical Society has restored some of the buildings. There's a small museum in the visitor center.
The visitor center is accessible. The walking tour follows the roadways so it's possible to see most of the existing structures. None are opened for tours of the interiors. A wagon display is located outside with information about the California wagon trains. It's a little hard to push along the path because of large gravel.
RVs can be parked in the lot or along the road but the entrance to the park may be too narrow for large RVs. Museum.
34.10317, -96.54607
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