Fort Supply – Frontier Outpost
Nestled in the rolling plains of northwestern Oklahoma, in Woodward County, lies a site steeped in history and resonant with the echoes of the American frontier: Fort Supply. Originally established as a temporary military encampment, this location evolved into a vital frontier outpost, playing a significant role in the turbulent interactions between the U.S. Army, Native American tribes, and westward-expanding settlers. The story of Fort Supply is a compelling narrative of military strategy, cultural conflict, and the transformation of the American West.
The genesis of Fort Supply can be traced back to November 18, 1868, when it was christened "Camp of Supply." Its creation was directly linked to General Philip Sheridan’s winter campaign against the Southern Plains Indians, a campaign aimed at subduing the tribes who resisted the encroachment of settlers onto their ancestral lands. The strategic location of the camp, within the Cherokee Outlet of the western Indian Territory, made it an ideal logistical hub for supplying Sheridan’s troops as they ventured into the harsh winter landscape.
Almost immediately upon its establishment, Camp of Supply became the operational headquarters for Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh U.S. Cavalry. Custer, a figure both celebrated and reviled in American history, used the camp as a launching point for his infamous campaign against the Cheyenne. On November 27, 1868, just nine days after the camp’s founding, Custer led his troops south to the banks of the Washita River. There, they attacked the village of Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle, resulting in the tragic Battle of the Washita. The battle, characterized by the heavy loss of Native American lives, including women and children, remains a controversial event, underscoring the brutal realities of the Indian Wars.
Following the Battle of the Washita, Camp of Supply continued to serve a crucial role in maintaining order and control on the Southern Plains. Its primary function shifted to protecting the Cheyenne and Arapaho reservations from incursions by white settlers and other potential threats. The post became a symbol of U.S. military presence, representing the government’s attempt to enforce its policies and maintain a fragile peace in the region.
As the years passed, the significance of Camp of Supply continued to evolve. In 1878, reflecting its increasingly permanent status and expanded responsibilities, the post was officially renamed Fort Supply. This renaming came in the wake of the Red River War of 1874-1875, a conflict that further solidified the need for a strong military presence in the area. In addition to protecting the reservations, Fort Supply played a vital role in safeguarding cattle drives along the trails connecting Texas to Kansas. These cattle drives were a crucial element of the burgeoning Western economy, and the fort’s protection ensured the safe passage of livestock and the economic stability of the region.
By 1880, the landscape of the Southern Plains had undergone a dramatic transformation. The Indian Wars, though punctuated by sporadic conflicts, were largely considered to be over. The tribes had been subdued and confined to reservations, and the tide of westward expansion continued unabated. As a result, Fort Supply, once a bustling center of military activity, began to show signs of disrepair. The Department of Missouri even recommended its closure, questioning its continued relevance in the changing circumstances.
However, General Philip Sheridan, recognizing the strategic importance of the fort, strongly opposed its abandonment. Sheridan’s advocacy led to the establishment of the Fort Supply Military Reservation, a move that ensured the continued presence of the U.S. Army in the region. The reservation served as a transportation hub, with troops actively involved in constructing roads and telegraph lines that connected various forts and reservations. This infrastructure development not only improved communication and transportation but also provided increased security for travelers navigating the often-dangerous trails that crisscrossed the plains.
The late 19th century witnessed a significant shift in the demographics of the region. The opening of the Cherokee Outlet to white settlement in the early 1890s marked a turning point, as the floodgates opened for a massive influx of settlers seeking land and opportunity. With the Indian Wars effectively concluded and the frontier rapidly transforming, the need for a large military presence diminished. Consequently, Fort Supply was officially closed in September 1894 and turned over to the Department of Interior.
The closure of Fort Supply marked the end of its era as a military outpost, but it did not signal the end of its story. In 1908, the site was repurposed to serve a new function: providing care for those in need. Oklahoma’s first state-operated mental institution, the Western State Psychiatric Center, was established at the old post. This transformation from a military stronghold to a center for mental health care reflected the changing priorities of the state and the evolving needs of its citizens.
In 1969, recognizing the historical significance of the site, the Oklahoma Historical Society assumed responsibility for the five remaining army-period buildings. These buildings, representing the physical remnants of the fort’s military past, were designated a National Historic District in 1971, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The surviving structures offer a tangible link to the frontier era, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the lives of the soldiers and civilians who once inhabited the post.
Since 1998, a significant portion of the old post and hospital grounds has been occupied by the William S. Key Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison facility. This juxtaposition of historical preservation and modern-day correctional facilities presents a unique and somewhat complex dynamic at the site.
Despite the changes and repurposing that have occurred over the years, several of the original buildings from the fort’s military period remain standing. These include the Ordnance Sergeant’s Quarters, Civilian Employee Quarters, Officers’ Quarters, and a Guard House. These structures, carefully preserved and maintained, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at Fort Supply during its time as a frontier outpost. A Visitor Center and Museum are also available, providing visitors with in-depth information about the history of the fort and its role in the development of the American West.
Located just east of the old post on US 270 is the Fort Supply Cemetery. This historic cemetery, though no longer the final resting place of the soldiers who once served at the fort (their remains were moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, when the fort was closed), still contains numerous graves of civilians and others who played a role in the history of the area. The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lived and lost on the frontier.
Today, Fort Supply stands as a testament to a pivotal period in American history. It represents the complex and often-conflicted interactions between the U.S. Army, Native American tribes, and westward-expanding settlers. The site offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the physical remnants of a frontier outpost and to contemplate the legacy of the American West. The story of Fort Supply is a reminder of the sacrifices, struggles, and transformations that shaped the nation we know today.