Fort Gibson Encampment Set for October 9 and 10

Contact: Cody Jolliff or Chris Morgan (918) 478-4088

October 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

1840s troops will once again garrison Fort Gibson for the 2009 Fall Encampment, October 9 and 10. This year's event portrays the occupation of Fort Gibson by the Arkansas Militia while regular army troops were fighting the U.S. - Mexican War.

Living history presenters from Oklahoma and Arkansas will encamp in and around the log fort to show visitors the roles played by infantry, mounted troops, artillery, and various civilians attached to the post during the 1840s.

Planned presentations include firing demonstrations, horsemanship, blacksmithing, medicine, cooking, and games and pastimes. Friday, October 9 will be set aside as Education Day. Area educators may bring classes to the site from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. to experience the presentations.

The Fall Encampment is presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Sixth Infantry Living History Association, and the Friends of Fort Gibson. Fort Gibson Historic Site is located on State Highway 80 in Fort Gibson, OK.

Special admission for Education Day on Friday, October 9 will be $1.00 each for adults and seniors as well as students. Regular admission resumes Saturday, and is 3.00 for adults, 2.50 for seniors (65 +), and 1.00 for students 6-18. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call (918) 478-4088 or email fortgibson@okhistory.org.