Fort Sill / Military History
Fort Sill is one of the most historically significant military sites in the United States, combining an active Army mission with deep roots in American frontier history.
Established in 1869, the fort was originally built to protect settlers and maintain peace during the Indian Wars. It evolved into a key military installation and remains active today as the home of U.S. Army Field Artillery.
Fort Sill is also closely connected to Native American history. Apache leader Geronimo spent the final years of his life as a prisoner of war here and is buried on the grounds. The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum preserves buildings, artifacts and exhibits dating to the late 1800s.
Old Fort Sill Quadrangle
The Old Fort Sill Quadrangle is the historic heart of Fort Sill, preserving the look and feel of the original 19th-century frontier post. Visitors can explore preserved stone buildings, exhibits and a fort diorama connected to cavalry, infantry, Native American history, frontier life and the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum tells the story through exhibits covering early military life, Southern Plains tribes, frontier law enforcement and the development of Oklahoma.
Historic Buildings
Features include the Old Post Guard House, once used as a stockade and later selected as an early museum building, and the Laundress Quarters, highlighting women who supported frontier Army posts.
Buffalo Soldiers
The Buffalo Soldiers Quarters recognize Black soldiers stationed at Fort Sill, particularly the 10th Cavalry. Other features include the commanding general’s quarters and chapel.
The Post Trader’s Store and Gift Shop offers books about area history, the Indian Wars and Fort Sill, plus souvenirs and keepsakes supporting museum preservation.
Geronimo’s Grave, Chiefs Knoll & Medicine Bluffs
Geronimo’s Grave
Within the Apache Cemetery, Geronimo’s Grave marks the final resting place of the Apache leader. After years of resistance, he spent the last 23 years of his life as a prisoner of war before his death in 1909. His grave is marked by a stone pyramid topped with an eagle.
Chiefs Knoll
Within Fort Sill’s Post Cemetery, Chiefs Knoll is the final resting place for several prominent Kiowa leaders. Many buried here were signers of the 1867 Medicine Lodge Treaty, and the site continues to hold deep cultural significance.
Medicine Bluffs
Rising more than 300 feet above Medicine Creek, Medicine Bluffs was a sacred place for Kiowa and Comanche people, used for healing, fasting and vision-seeking. Fort Sill was established beside the bluffs in 1869.
Continue to Native American History & Culture for broader regional context.
Fort Sill Today
Patriot Club
Fort Sill’s Patriot Club is a gathering place for dining, military events, banquets, conferences, family activities and community celebrations, including military balls, retirement ceremonies, reunions, meetings and private events.
Patriot Club informationFort Sill Golf Course
The guide describes an 18-hole, par-72 course originally designed in 1946, with creek-lined fairways, bent-grass greens, multiple tees, driving range, putting greens, rentals, instruction, pro shop and Mulligan’s Snack Bar.
The golf course is open to the public with a Fort Sill pass.
Don’t Get Lost in Fort Sill
Use this full-size official Fort Sill Visitor Map to locate gates, museums, the Old Post Quad, Post Cemetery, Medicine Bluffs, Fort Sill Golf Course, Patriot Club, the Visitor Control Center and other destinations across the installation.
Official map: Geospatial Information & Services (IGI&S), Directorate of Public Works, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Revision date shown on the map: February 27, 2023. Because Fort Sill is an active military installation, use the current visitor information link above for access requirements, gate information and visitor procedures.