‘Rendezvous’ Fur Trade Offers Peek into the Past and Family Fun

Fort Washita, in Bryan County, stands guard over the Texas frontier as it has since its establishment in 1842. The entrance to the fort was constructed in the late 1960s, over a century after the raising of the original stone barracks, surgeon’s quarters and other structures. Today, the site is managed by the Chickasaw Nation and is host to family-friendly events throughout the year.

Published March 31, 2019

DURANT, Okla. — The Fur Trade Era Rendezvous is planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 3-6 at Fort Washita, 3348 State Road 199. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors can anticipate educational stations, archery, stickball and cultural demonstrations. Food vendors will be available.

Fort Washita was built in 1842 as the southwestern-most military post of the United States. It operated through 1865 and still stands today as a historic site and museum where visitors can learn what life was like before and during the Civil War.

After the war, the fort was granted to the Chickasaw Nation, and later the Dawes Commission allotted the fort and surrounding land to the Charles and Abbie Davis Colbert family.

Participants prepare the cannon at the 2018 Rendezvous re-enactment at Fort Washita in Durant, Oklahoma.

Fort Washita gives visitors the opportunity to explore the restored structures, see Civil War reenactments and experience a number of special events.

Fort Washita is near Lake Texoma, 13 miles east of Madill and 12 miles west of Durant on State Highway 199.

For more information, call (580) 924-6502.

The post ‘Rendezvous’ Fur Trade Offers Peek into the Past and Family Fun appeared first on Native News Online.