Fort Reno (Oklahoma) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Reno |
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| Indian Territory / Canadian County, Oklahoma, USA (near El Reno, Oklahoma) |
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Aerial view of Fort Reno, 1891.
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| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1874 |
| In use | 1874–1949 |
| Materials | Wood, stone, & brick |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars on the Southern Plains; Remount Station, World War I & World War II; German Prisoner of War camp, World War II. |
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Fort Reno
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_010_(4470866835).jpg) |
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | El Reno, Oklahoma |
| Area | 9.9 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1874 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000529 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1970 |
Fort Reno is a historic former United States Army post. It is located west of El Reno, Oklahoma. The fort was named after General Jesse L. Reno. He was a brave soldier who died during the American Civil War.
Contents
History of Fort Reno
Why Fort Reno Was Built
Fort Reno started as a temporary camp in July 1874. It was set up near the Darlington Agency. This area needed protection from an Indian uprising. This conflict later became known as the Red River War.
After the war ended, the camp stayed open. Its job was to control and protect the Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho reservation. Fort Reno officially became a permanent fort on July 15, 1874.
Fort Reno's Role in Oklahoma's Growth
Soldiers from Fort Reno also worked to control "Boomer" and "Sooner" activities. These were people trying to settle the Unassigned Lands too early. The fort played a big part in opening these lands for settlement.
Famous groups of soldiers served here. One such group was the Ninth Cavalry. These soldiers were known as Buffalo Soldiers. The fort even gave its name to the nearby city of El Reno. There was also a town called Reno City, but it was abandoned later on.
Fort Reno After Statehood
After Oklahoma became a state in 1907, the Army stopped using the fort. This happened on February 24, 1908. However, it continued to be a quartermaster remount depot. This meant it was a place where horses and mules were trained and kept for the Army.
Fort Reno During World War II
During World War II, Fort Reno had a new role. It housed German and Italian prisoners of war. These prisoners were kept on the fort's grounds. The chapel at the fort was actually built by members of the Afrika Korps.
In 1949, the Army finally left Fort Reno for good. The fort was then given to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Today, it is used as their Grazinglands Research Laboratory. This lab studies how to manage land for growing crops and raising animals.
Fort Reno Cemetery and Visitors
The fort has a cemetery where many people are buried. These include German and Italian prisoners of war. Pioneer settlers and military personnel are also buried there. Ben Clark, a scout for famous figures like George Armstrong Custer, is also buried at Fort Reno.
Today, Fort Reno is open to the public. It has a visitor's center. Here, you can see items and exhibits from the fort's history. Fort Reno was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
