Fort Sill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Sill
Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma
Shoulder sleeve insignia of units stationed at Fort Sill
Coordinates	34°40′16″N 98°23′23″W / 34.67111°N 98.38972°W / 34.67111; -98.38972
Type	Military post
Site information
Controlled by	United States
Site history
Built	1869
In use	1869–present
Garrison information
Past commanders	MG Mark McDonald
Garrison	United States Army Field Artillery School United States Army Air Defense Artillery School< 75th Field Artillery Brigade 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Old infantry barracks at Fort Sill.
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Location	Lawton, Oklahoma
Architect	US Army
NRHP reference No.	66000629
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	15 October 1966
Designated NHL	19 December 1960

Fort Sill is a United States Army base located north of Lawton, Oklahoma. It's about 85 miles (137 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. This large base covers almost 94,000 acres (38,000 hectares).

Fort Sill was first built during the Indian Wars. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark. It is home to the United States Army Field Artillery School and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School. It also hosts the 31st and 75th Field Artillery Brigades. Fort Sill is one of four places where the Army does Basic Combat Training. It has been important in every major American conflict since 1869.

Fort Sill's Early Days: A Historic Army Post

Fort Sill was started on January 8, 1869. Major General Philip H. Sheridan chose the spot. He was leading a campaign into Indian Territory to stop tribes from raiding settlements.

Sheridan's winter campaign included six cavalry regiments. Famous frontier scouts like Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok joined them. Troops camped here included the 7th and 10th Cavalry. The 10th Cavalry was a group of black "buffalo soldiers". They built many stone buildings that are still there today.

The base was first called "Camp Wichita." Native Americans called it "the Soldier House at Medicine Bluffs." Sheridan later named it Fort Sill. This honored his friend, Brigadier General Joshua W. Sill, who died in the American Civil War.

Peace Efforts and Conflicts at Fort Sill

Fort Sill

After Fort Sill was built, President Ulysses Grant started a "peace policy." This policy gave Quaker agents responsibility for the Southwest tribes. The first Quaker agent for the Kiowa and Comanche tribes was Lawrie Tatum.

Fort Sill soldiers were told not to act against the Native Americans. Some tribes saw this as a sign of weakness. They began raiding the Texas frontier again. Then they would return to Fort Sill for safety.

In 1871, General William Tecumseh Sherman visited Fort Sill. He was on a tour of Army posts. While he was at Fort Richardson, Texas, he learned about the Warren Wagon Train Raid. In this raid, seven teamsters were killed by Native Americans.

Soon after Sherman arrived at Fort Sill, some Kiowa chiefs came to tell their story. They talked about attacking the wagon train. Sherman ordered their arrest during a meeting. Two of the chiefs tried to attack him. The Commanding General's quarters are now called Sherman House because of this event.

The Army arrested three chiefs: Satank, Satanta, and Addo-ete. Sherman ordered them to Texas for a trial. As they were being taken away, Satank tried to fight and was killed. His grave is in Chiefs Knoll in the post cemetery.

Satanta and Addo-etta were tried in Texas courts. This was the first time Native Americans were tried in civil courts. They were sentenced to death. However, supporters of the peace policy convinced the governor to change their sentences to life in prison. They were later released.

The Red River War and Its End

In June 1874, the Red River War began. This war was fought against the Comanches, Kiowas, and Southern Cheyennes by the U.S. Army. It lasted a year and involved constant pursuit by military groups.

General Phillip Sheridan ordered five army groups to meet in the Texas Panhandle. The goal was to keep Native Americans from having a safe place. The Army would attack them until they moved permanently to reservations.

The Army kept fighting until the Native Americans had to give up. They couldn't graze their animals, and the large buffalo herds were disappearing. Many tribes eventually surrendered and went to Fort Sill.

Quanah Parker and his Kwahadi Comanches were the last to surrender. They arrived at Fort Sill in June 1875. This marked the end of Native American warfare on the southern Plains.

In 1877, Henry O. Flipper was assigned to Fort Sill. He was the first African-American to graduate from West Point. He was part of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, known as the famous Buffalo Soldiers. He helped dig a ditch to drain a swamp, which is still called Flipper's Ditch today.

Geronimo at Fort Sill

Geronimo's grave at Fort Sill with Apache prayer clothes in trees.

In 1894, Geronimo and 341 other Chiricahua Apache prisoners of war came to Fort Sill. They lived in villages around the base. After a few years, Geronimo was allowed to travel with Wild West shows. He met President Theodore Roosevelt during one trip.

Geronimo and the other Apache prisoners could move freely around Fort Sill. He was a member of Fort Sill's Native Scouts. He did try to escape once, but he was captured the next day. He died in 1909 and is buried at Fort Sill.

Most of the Apaches stayed at Fort Sill until 1913. The U.S. government had promised them land around the fort. However, local non-Native people did not want them to settle there. In 1914, two-thirds of the tribe moved to the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The rest settled near Fletcher and Apache, Oklahoma. They are known today as the Fort Sill Apache Tribe.

Fort Sill's Evolution: From Cavalry to Artillery

Next door to the Artillery Museum is a new Artillery Park with artillery pieces from throughout the world.

In 1901, the federal government opened much of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Reservation land to non-Native settlers. Thousands of homesteaders registered at Fort Sill for a land lottery. On August 6, the town of Lawton quickly grew into Oklahoma's third-largest city.

As Native American military resistance declined, Fort Sill's mission changed. It shifted from cavalry to field artillery. The first artillery battery arrived in 1902. The last cavalry regiment left in 1907.

The School of Fire for the Field Artillery was founded at Fort Sill in 1911. It is now known as the U.S. Army Field Artillery School. It is famous worldwide. Fort Sill has also been home to other training schools over the years. In 1917, the Henry Post Army Airfield was built for artillery observation.

During World War I, Brigadier General Montgomery M. Macomb commanded Fort Sill. He oversaw the training programs that prepared soldiers for combat in France.

Early Aviation at Fort Sill

Fort Sill is also where U.S. combat aviation began. In 1915, the 1st Aero Squadron put together their new airplanes here. They made their first flights on August 10.

Just two days later, on August 12, 1915, the first airplane accident happened. The pilot was hurt, and his passenger, Captain George H. Knox, was killed. Many people were there to see the planes and witnessed the accident. After another crash in September, the remaining planes were grounded for safety.

The squadron began testing how planes could help field artillery. The early results were not great due to equipment issues. New equipment was ordered, and by October 14, operations resumed. On October 22, the first aerial photography tests were done.

On November 19, the squadron left Fort Sill for a long trip. They flew six planes to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This was a 439-mile (706.5 km) cross-country flight. They arrived on November 26 without major problems.

Aviation's Role in the Mexican Border Conflict

The squadron stayed in Texas because of tensions with Mexico. Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa attacked Americans. On March 9, 1916, Villa's troops attacked Columbus, New Mexico. President Woodrow Wilson ordered General John J. Pershing to lead troops into Mexico to capture Villa.

1st Aero Squadron Curtiss JN-3 with red star "fin flash" national insignia

The 1st Aero Squadron was part of this mission. They flew reconnaissance, delivered mail, and transported officers. Their planes had a red five-pointed star on their rudders. This was the first time American military aircraft used a national symbol.

The early planes were not strong enough for the tasks. They struggled to fly over mountains. One pilot, Captain Foulois, had his engine flood during a rainstorm but landed safely. Every landing in Mexico was in dangerous territory.

The squadron flew 540 missions in Mexico. After six weeks, their planes were worn out. On April 20, 1916, the Army ordered the squadron back to Columbus, New Mexico. Their only real success was finding a lost cavalry group.

The 1st Aero Squadron later received new planes. They deployed to France in World War I. Today, the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Air Force continues their legacy.

Henry Post Army Airfield's Development

In August 1917, a new airfield was surveyed at Fort Sill. It was named Henry Post Army Airfield after 2nd Lt. Henry Post, who died in a plane crash. Construction began on hangars and offices. As the U.S. entered World War I, the airfield trained aerial observers for the field artillery.

Various units were created and assigned to Post Field as Army aviation grew. In 1922, Fort Sill was considered the busiest airport in the U.S.

Lighter-than-air ships, like balloons, were added to Fort Sill's aviation in 1917. A Balloon Corps Training School was set up in 1918. During World War I, the school trained many officers and created companies.

The school used both "captured" (tethered) and "free" (spherical) balloons. Tethered balloons were used for observation. They were connected to trucks on the ground and could go up to 4,300 feet (1,310.6 m). They observed and sent fire-correction information.

Self-propelled balloons were developed at Post Field in 1937. The famous balloon hangar, moved from Moffett Field in 1934, was meant for large airships. The "cross" on its side is for air circulation to dry balloon fabric.

Balloons were used at the field until 1941. General Barksdale Hamlett, Jr., a famous balloon pilot trained at Fort Sill, became a four-star general.

Fort Sill Aviation's Lasting Impact

The 44th Aero Squadron supported the Field Artillery School at Post Field in 1922. It was later replaced by the 88th Observation Squadron. In the 1930s, new permanent buildings were constructed. Building 4908, built in 1932, is the oldest building at the airfield.

Field Artillery Officers and the Olympics

Fort Sill officers won Olympic medals in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lieutenant Richard Mayo, a field artillery lieutenant, won a bronze medal in the pentathlon. The pentathlon included horse riding, fencing, pistol shooting, swimming, and running. Mayo did very well in shooting, taking the lead. He finished 17th in the final run, earning the bronze medal. Richard Mayo continued his Army career and became a brigadier general.

Lieutenant Edwin Argo, a field artillery officer, was part of the U.S. Army equestrian team. They competed in the Three-Day Event. Argo rode Honolulu Tom Boy and had a perfect performance in stadium jumping. The U.S. team won the gold medal in the team competition. Argo was assigned to the 1st Field Artillery at Fort Sill at that time.

Fort Sill from World War II to Today

By 1940, the Field Artillery School trained its own pilots. These pilots were field artillery spotters. Post Field became busy with small spotter airplanes. Special flight schools were set up in Kansas and Texas. Pilots then came to Post Field for advanced training.

By the end of World War II, 262 pilots and 2,262 mechanics were trained at Post Field.

In 1942, Fort Sill held about 700 Japanese Americans. They were held by the Department of Justice. Most were non-citizens arrested as spies without evidence. One person was killed by a guard while trying to escape. Fort Sill also held three German prisoners of war.

After World War II, the Army Ground Forces Air Training School was established at Post Field in 1945. Helicopter pilot training began in 1948. The first warrant officer class started in 1951.

The Army Aviation School moved to Fort Rucker in 1954. However, Post Field still had helicopter units. In the early 1960s, the 34th Artillery Brigade oversaw the post's artillery battalions.

In 1963, a group was formed to test equipping CH-34 helicopters with rockets. This turned a transport aircraft into a powerful flying weapon. It was an early version of today's attack helicopters.

The 295th Aviation Company (Heavy Helicopter) was established at Fort Sill in the 1960s. This unit had ten large Skycrane CH-54A helicopters. Today, this company is F Company, 159th Aviation Regiment, and uses CH-47 Chinooks.

Post Field is the oldest continuously operating airfield in the U.S. Army.

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, was born at Fort Sill in 1961.

Artillery Half Section: A Living History

Fort Sill's Artillery Half Section is a special unit. It shows how World War I-era field artillery and horse-drawn field guns worked. This unit is Fort Sill's special ceremonies group. The half section usually has eight soldiers and eight horses. They often show their skills at parades and community events.

The Half Section was started in 1969 to celebrate Fort Sill's 100th anniversary. The soldiers are volunteers. The horses, equipment, and transport are paid for by donations. This popular group has appeared in parades and even a presidential inauguration.

Historic Recognition

Fort Sill was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Many places within Fort Sill are also on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Comanche County, Oklahoma.

Fort Sill has three museums:

• The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum: This museum shows the original frontier fort. It has 34 historic buildings. It is the most complete original Indian Wars era fort still existing.
• The U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum: Opened in 2009, this museum has many artillery pieces. It tells the story of the Field Artillery Branch.
• The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Museum: This museum has a large collection of anti-aircraft and air defense items. It tells the history of the Air Defense Branch.

All museums are free and open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday.

Cemeteries at Fort Sill

Fort Sill has several cemeteries, each with its own history.

The most famous is the Post Cemetery. Many Native American chiefs who signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty are buried here. Unlike most cemeteries of its time, it was never separated by race. Soldiers, officers, and families are buried side-by-side.

The most famous person buried at Fort Sill is the Apache warrior Geronimo. He is buried in the Apache Cemetery on East Range. Other important people buried at Fort Sill include Kiowa Chief Satanta and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker.

There is also an old Indian Agency Cemetery under Henry Post Army Airfield. It holds both Comanche and white remains. In the 1950s, the gravestones were removed and covered with earth for safety. In 1984, an archeologist identified 64 people buried there by name. Another 50 graves are listed as unknown. The remains have not been disturbed out of respect.

Fort Sill Today: Activities and Units

A group of United States Marine Corps members is stationed at Fort Sill. This group, called the MARDET, works with the Field Artillery School. They train Marine artillerymen. Marines also teach gunnery and fire support. All Marine artillery officers attend the Field Artillery School.

The 77th Army Band, known as "The Pride of Fort Sill," is part of the Fires Center of Excellence. It was first formed in 1907.

Another special group is the Field Artillery Half Section. This eight-person group shows how horse-drawn artillery worked around 1900. The Half Section has eight horses, all named after former Fort Sill generals. The soldiers are volunteers, and donations support the horses and equipment.

In June 2019, Fort Sill was used as a temporary shelter for immigrant children. The same facility was used in 2014. In July 2019, the plans were canceled due to public concern and fewer children needing shelter.

Units Stationed at Fort Sill

• 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade (31st ADAB)
  • 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment
  • 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment
  • 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
• 75th Field Artillery Brigade (75th FAB)
  • 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 100th Brigade Support Battalion
  • 258th Signal Company
• United States Army Field Artillery School (USA FAS)
  • 428th Field Artillery Brigade
    • 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment
    • 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery Regiment
    • 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment
• United States Army Air Defense Artillery School (USA ADAS)
  • 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
    • 2nd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
    • 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
• 434th Field Artillery Brigade (Basic Combat Training)
  • 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery Regiment (five basic combat training batteries)
  • 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery Regiment (six basic combat training batteries)
  • 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery Regiment (five basic combat training batteries)
  • 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (five basic combat training batteries)
  • 95th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception)
• 95th Infantry Division (Initial Entry Training)
  • 1st Brigade (Initial Entry Training), Fort Sill, Oklahoma
    • 1-354 Military Police Battalion (OSUT), Tulsa, Oklahoma
    • 2-354 (Basic Combat Training), Grand Prairie, Texas
    • 1-355 (Basic Combat Training), Round Rock, Texas
    • 2-377 (Basic Combat Training), Lincoln, Nebraska
    • 3-378 (Basic Combat Training), Norman, Oklahoma
  • 2nd Brigade (Initial Entry Training), Vancouver, Washington
    • 2-413 (Basic Combat Training), Riverside, California
    • 1-415 (Basic Combat Training), Phoenix, Arizona
    • 3-415 (Basic Combat Training), Fairchild AFB, Washington
  • 3rd Brigade (Initial Entry Training), Beaver Dam, WI
    • 1-320 Military Police Battalion (OSUT), Abingdon, Virginia
    • 1-330 (Basic Combat Training), Fort Wayne, Indiana
    • 2-330 Engineer Battalion (OSUT), Arlington Heights, Illinois
    • 3-354 (Basic Combat Training), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    • 1-390 Engineer Battalion (OSUT), Amherst, New York

Geography and Climate

Fort Sill is located in an area with a humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm temperatures and rain throughout the year. There is more rain in late spring and late summer.

Notable People from Fort Sill

Many interesting people have connections to Fort Sill, including:

• Michel Aoun, who became the 13th President of Lebanon.
• Mel Brooks, a famous actor, comedian, and producer.
• Joseph Grinnell, a zoologist.
• Stephen Hillenburg, the marine biologist and animator who created SpongeBob SquarePants.
• Cassie Jaye, an actress and film director.
• Judith Lowry, an actress.
• Peter McRobbie, an actor.
• Dave Nelson, a baseball player.
• Tom Platz, a bodybuilder.
• Mary Pope Osborne, a children's author.
• Terry Serpico, an actor.
• Steve Wilson, a football player.
• The Joint Fires Observer classroom building at Fort Sill is named after Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij.

Images for kids

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  Old infantry barracks at Fort Sill.