Fort Gibson Area
OK Highway 80
In the early 1800s the area around Fort Gibson was known as Three Forks, a name
that refers to the confluence of the Verdigris, Arkansas and Neosho rivers.
Conflicts among the unruly Indians necessitated the building of Fort Gibson in
1824, since Fort Smith was the closest caucasian enclave up to that point.
The original fort was closer to the Neosho River, which is now known as the Grand River south of Wyandotte, where the Spring and Neosho rivers meet. When the WPA began the current reconstruction of the Ft. Gibson stockade in the `30s it was decided to move the site away from this flood-prone area. The current historic site is an accurate recreation of 19th century military life and only a mile from the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.
Oklahoma Highway 80 runs from Ft. Gibson to Hulbert. That equates to a scenic
route from Muskogee to Tahlequah if you're traveling north or east. Great
destinations in this area include The Western Hills Guest Ranch in the Sequoyah
State Park, Camp Gruber ORV area and Greenleaf State Park near Braggs. For a
great meal stop by Bozena's in Ft. Gibson, authentic Polish cuisine and an
interior that will keep you smiling for miles.
