The History of Fort Reno in Oklahoma.

Fort Reno started out as a military camp in 1874. It was established with the purpose to keep peace and protect the Cheyenne's and Arapahos. The Cavalry and Infantry that were stationed there helped greatly in the transition from Indian territory to Oklahoma Statehood in 1907. The Fort Reno troops including the Buffalo Soldiers, helped locate and evict the "Boomer" from the unassigned lands ten years prior to the 1st land run in 1889. The Fort also played roles in the two other land runs in 1892 and 1894.

Some of the Indian Scouts that were stationed at Fort Reno had once been prisoners who were responsible for some uprising in the region. After they did their time in Florida they were stationed in Fort Reno. These Indian Scouts stayed on the Fort grounds with their families. The Scouts were to accompany the Cavalry units to make sure that the Indian camps were located on the Reservation. In their spare time they would produce works of art ledger books that are now shown in museums and some have even been collected by private collectors.

Some of the notable military battles fought by men of Fort Reno was The battle of Sand Hill in April of 1875, another battle that took place was at "Turkey Springs" in 1878, near present day Freedom, OK. One more battle and the last fought by Fort Reno Troopers was fought on Sept. 27,1878 at Punished Woman's Fork (a creek) in West-Central Kansas.

The battle of Sand Hill was a tragic misunderstanding between the Cheyenne's and some Fort soldiers. The soldiers were trying to shackle a prisoner named Black Horse. Some Cheyenne women were scolding Black Horse and he broke free running toward the Indian camp. The soldiers pursued him and shot and killed him. Unfortunanlty some of the stray bullets went through some of the village teepees. The Cheyenne's mistook the shots as an attack and ran to get their hidden weapons and opened fire on the soldiers. A pitched battle took place that included a repulsed Cavalry charge, and they even brought in the Forts gattling gun. Two soldiers were killed. One was Clark Young and the other a Buffalo soldier. Also one civilian and one Indian scout were also killed. They were buried in an historic cemetery near Fort Reno. Nineteen others were wounded, six Cheyenne warriors were killed and one Cheyenne women also were killed.

After the famed Custer Massacre in Montana, 937 Cheyenne's were taken to Fort Reno, then called the Darlington Agency, in 1876. They were brought in by Lt. Henry Lawlen, seventeen troopers, and 20 civilians. A group of these Cheyenne's fled North toward their homes in 1878. They were led by Dull Knife, Little Wolf, and Wild Hog. Fort Reno's 4th Cavalry gave chase and found them on Sept. 13 near present-day Freedom, OK then called "Turkey Springs". A battle took place and took several lives. Pvt. Struad, Pvt. Modinger, Cpl. Lynch, and Arapaho Scout "Chalk" were killed or died shortly after from wounds. These men are buried at the Post Cemetery. A blacksmith by the name of Burton also lost his life.

The Cheyenne's still continued to run from their pursuers through Kansas and Nebraska until their capture. The last battle the Fort Reno troopers would fight took place on Sept. 27, 1878 at Punished Woman's Fork (a creek) in West-Central Kansas. The Cheyenne's attempted to ambush the troopers, but did not succeed. Commander Lt. Col. Lewis however was mortally wounded, and Capt. Mauk took his place. The troops continued the pursuit of the Cheyenne's into Nebraska, but returned to the Fort in Oct. The 5th Calvary from Northern forts then continued the pursuit.

Between the years of 1908 to 1947 was one of only three Army Quartermaster Remount Stations for the Military. Fort Reno was responsible for breeding horses and training pack mules for Army use in World War I and II. These animals played a crucial part in some parts of the wars. They were used for major supply lines and transportation in the rough terrains. During this time Fort Reno also played host in many social activities. These activities included polo matches, horse races, horse, shows, and auctions.

Fort Reno also served as an internment work camp for German Prisoners Of War in World War II. Most of these Germans were caught in North Africa by Gen. Rommel's Afrikorp. Over 1,300 Germans were brought to Fort Reno by train. These German POW's were hired as laborers for local farmers and also built the chapel located on the Fort Reno Grounds. There are 70 German and Italian POWs interred there in the historic cemetery. Most died at other POW camps in Oklahoma and Texas. Only one German POW died at Fort Reno.

Deaths at Fort Reno-

Johnnes Kunze- Kunze was beaten to death by fellow POWs that accused him of being a traitor. The POWs charged with his death were sent to Kansas' Fort Leavenworth for trial. They were found guilty, executed, and buried.

Chalk- An Arapahoe Scout who died after being wounded in the Dull Knife campaign.

Edward Lee- A Buffalo Soldier in company H, 25th US Infantry. He was in Cuba During the Spanish American War. Died in 1903 and his cause of death is unknown.

Henry Weeks- Major Weeks was commandant of Fort Reno for 7 years and died of a heart attack during a game of polo at Fort Reno.

Maria Wheeler- A child that burned to death in her home on the old post. She died saving her brothers life.

To see pics of the building today go to this article Picture Tour Of Fort Reno In Oklahoma.