Learn about Oklahoma's military history at these museums and historic sites
Dale DenwaltOklahoma has a rich military history, from being home to the earliest westward outposts to a training ground for today's pilots.
Some of that history is on display throughout the state at museums and historical sites that are open to the public.
Early American forts
Oklahoma is home to several early American and Civil War-era military outposts. These army bases were fortified to protect soldiers and the inhabitants who lived nearby. They were constructed during America's westward expansion and were some of the first permanent structures built in Oklahoma.
Fort Reno
Established in 1875, Historic Fort Reno includes several structures and a museum featuring a wide display of artifacts, photographs, images of the 1888 Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency, German POW letters, Buffalo Soldiers, living reenactments and more.
Located east of Oklahoma City in El Reno, the site is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Towson
The U.S. Army set up Fort Towson near the Red River in what would later become southeastern Oklahoma. It played a major role in the nation's westward expansion from 1824 until it was closed in 1854. It also served as a hub for Choctaw and Chickasaw resettlement in Oklahoma and was the last outpost before Texas, which at the time was territory of Mexico. During the Civil War, it was garrisoned by Confederate soldiers.
The site is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fort Washita
Located about an hour and a half (by car) west of Fort Towson is Fort Washita. Like its southeastern Oklahoma neighbor, Fort Washita helped maintain peace among indigenous peoples and provided security for the region from bandits, Texas militia and other outside threats.
It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fort Gibson
Fort Gibson Historic Site was a military base that helped expand the political and commercial interests of the United States westward during the 1800s. It figured prominently during the forced relocation of Native Americans to Oklahoma, which was then called Indian Territory.
The log fort and stockade is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
History of artillery and air defense
Fort Sill in Lawton includes another historic site built in the 19th century. Today, however, it's home to training facilities for field artillery, air defense and basic training for new U.S. Army recruits.
The historic site is one of three museums on site. Along with dozens of historic frontier structures, the base also includes the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum and the Air Defense Artillery Museum.
The museums are free of charge to visit and are open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because they are located on an active military base, visitors are subject to a background check before entry, which can be completed online.
U.S. Air Force planes on display
Several historic aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force are on display outside Tinker Air Force Base. The Charles B. Hall Airpark is open to the general public and located near visitor center parking at the base.
Base access is not required to visit the site, which is named for Maj. Charles B. Hall, a Tuskegee airman who was the first Black American to shoot down an enemy plane and receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Memorial to the Vietnam War in Enid
The Woodring Wall of Honor is an 80%-scale replicate of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
The replica wall traveled the country with the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and has now been retired, finding its permanent home in Enid.
In 2023, the organization overseeing Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park expanded their exhibits to include a 40,000 educational Oklahoma military history exhibit at Enid's Oakwood Mall. The exhibit, which includes several helicopters, aircraft and a full-motion flight simulator, is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
A look at America's modern wars
Gen. Tommy Franks oversaw U.S. military forces in the Middle East during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. After retiring, the native Oklahoman returned home and opened a museum based on his life in the U.S. Army, featuring exhibits and artifacts from his time as commander of United States Central Command.
The museum, also home to Franks' Four Star Leadership Institute, is located in tiny Hobart, Oklahoma. It's open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Sub-killer submarine grounded in Oklahoma
During World War II, the U.S.S. Batfish sunk three hostile submarines, becoming the most successful sub hunter in history. In the early 1970s, the Batfish was towed up the Arkansas River to its current resting place at The Muskogee War Memorial Park.
Flooding in 2019 temporarily refloated the submarine and caused damage to the ship. While the Batfish itself is closed to visitors, the indoor museum and memorial park are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are plans to relocate the submarine and museum to a nearby location by 2026.
Military history to see in OKC
The Oklahoma National Guard Museum in Oklahoma City, also known as the 45th Infantry Museum, contains meticulously curated galleries showcasing an extensive collection of military artifacts, weapons, uniforms and personal mementos from the 45th Infantry Division's 130-year history.
A new location is under construction, but guests to the current museum site can visit Tuesday through Sunday.
Oklahoma City is also home to the 99s Museum of Women Pilots, which features exhibits celebrating the rich history of women in aviation, including Amelia Earhart, would-be astronaut Jerrie Cobb and Women Auxiliary Service Pilots, known as WASPs.
The 99s Museum is located next to Will Rogers World Airport and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Another metro-area museum, the Yukon Veterans Museum, includes displays of uniforms, photos, maps, medals and military gear. Located at 1010 W. Main, it's open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.