|
|
|
California Road
California Road crossed at Hinton. First traveled by gold seekers in Rush for California spring 1849, under military escort commanded by Capt. R.B. Marcy west from Ft. Smith, Ark. Antelpoe Hills, 8 mi. N.W., once landmark for international line of U.S. and Mexico. On Little Robe Creek N.W. of Hills is site of Commanche Battle with Texas Rangers, Cap John S. Ford, 1858
The California Road was used by travelers for over 50 years. East of here about 4 miles are traces of the Western Cattle Trail to Dodge City, Kansas.
Camp ground and spring, 3 mi. west, was well known on this famous Trail.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon was once a stop on the famous California Road Trail. Now visitors can enjoy this beautiful western Oklahoma oasis without bringing the Conestoga wagon. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a great place to hike, climb, or explore.
Rock Mary
Most prominent Oklahoma landmark seen on California Road by Capt. R. B. Marcy. First visited May 23, 1849, and U.S. flag raised on the peak by Lts. M. P. Harrison (brother of Pres. Benj. Harrison) and J.H. Simpson. Named in honor of 17 yr. Mary Conway, grand daughter of Arkansas Gov. Conway and cousin of President James Madison. Marker: Rock Mary May 23, 1840 This odd and unusual land feature was named on that date by Lieuts. J. H. Simpson and M. F. Harrison when they visited this site, planted a Flag on the crest and named the Rock for 17 year belle, Mary Conway, emigrant. Oklahoma Historical Society, 1960 2nd Marker: The American Flag Rock Mary From this point on May 23, 1849 the Flag of the United States was unfurled by Lts. J. H. Simpson and M. P. Harrison who gave this Rock its name. By this act they established this as a famous landmark relied on by countless thousands of western emigrants. Oklahoma Historical Society, 1960
Black Beaver
Black Beaver. A Delaware guide, born at the present site of Belleville, Ill., in 1806; died at Anadarko, Okla., May 8, 1880. He was present as interpreter at the earliest conference with the Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita tribes, held by Col. Richard Dodge on upper Red River in 1834, and from then until the close of his days his services were constantly required by the Government and were invaluable to military and scientific explorers of the plains and the Rocky Mountains. In nearly every one of the early transcontinental expeditions he was the most intelligent and most trusted guide and scout.
Fort Cobb
Estabished Oct.1, 1859 by U.S. Troops under Major W.H. Emory as protection against raids of Plains Indians on Choctaws, Chickasaws, and on white emigrants moving west.
Evacuated May 5, 1861 by Union Troops and soon occupied by Confedrate forces under Colonel W.C. Young. Although sacked by hostile indians Oct. 23, 1862, held intermittently by Confederate commands until close of Civil War . Ruins rebuilt and regarrisoned by Federal units autumn 1868.
After Battle of Washita, Generals Philip Sheridan and George Custer moved command here Dec. 17, 1868. Chief Lone Wolf and Satanta held hostages until Kiowas submitted.
Mar. 12, 1869 Fort Cobb abandoned, troops moved to recently selected site which became Fort Sill.
Council between Five Nations and Plains Tribes here July 23, 1872
Riverside School
Riverside School begun by U.S. Quaker Agents 1871 This school opened at the Indian agency on Sugar Creek with 8 pupils. A new building was erected as a boarding school in 1872 for Wichita and Caddo children. Fire in 1878 destoryed the school. It soon reopened in a new building here on the Washita and continues as the oldest boarding school in the United States Indian Service.
|
|
