Fort Gibson Historic Site - Oklahoma
Fort Gibson - The Second Fort
Fort Gibson Bakery
Bread was an important foodstuff
on the frontier. The bakery of the
second Fort Gibson has been
restored and is open to the
public.
Fort Gibson Hospital
Despite its sometime romantic
portrayal in the movies, the life of
a soldier in the "Old West" could
be very difficult. Diseases and
fevers claimed many lives. The
hospital of the second Fort
Gibson is among the structures
that still stand.
Barracks of the Second Fort
Fort Gibson Historic Site
Fort Gibson, Oklahoma
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As the occupancy of Fort Gibson
continued, it became necessary to
replace the original log buildings with
more permanent structures. A military
map prepared in 1840 showed the
outline of a proposed new fort on
what is now called "Garrison Hill."
Over time, this new fort was
developed into a large complex that
included barracks, quarters for
officers, a chapel, hospital, bakery,
powder magazine, commissary and
more. Many of these buildings still
stand and are preserved within the
Fort Gibson Historic Site.
During the Civil War, the post was
surrounded by an earthwork
fortification and renamed Fort Blunt in
honor of General James G. Blunt of
the Union army. Remains of the
entrenchments can still be seen.
After the Civil War, Fort Gibson
remained an active military post until
1890 when, obsolete and no longer
needed, it was closed for good.
Although it does not offer the "classic" log
walls and blockhouses of the original
stockade, much of the second Fort Gibson
can still be seen. The commissary is now a
Visitor Center and museum. The barracks
still stand, as do the hospital, magazine and
restored bakery.
