Press Release
September 11, 2025
Contact: Jennifer Frazee
Fort Gibson Historic Site, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-478-4088
[email protected]
okhistory.org/fortgibson
September Living History Programs at Fort Gibson Historic Site to Focus on Manual by Gen. Winfield Scott
FORT GIBSON, Okla. — Staff at Fort Gibson Historic Site will offer a series of living history programs in September that focus on military training highlighted in an 1835 manual by Gen. Winfield Scott titled “Infantry Tactics: or, Rules for the Exercise and Maneuvers of the United States Infantry.” The programs will take place from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on September 13, 20 and 27.
On Saturday, September 13, Seth Goff, historical interpreter at Fort Gibson Historic Site, will demonstrate and discuss the introductory lessons from Scott’s manual with an 1840s soldiers’ drill. Visitors of all ages who wish to participate can expect a 15-minute introductory lesson. This includes the first drill commands a newly enlisted soldier would have learned, such as attention, left face and right face.
On Saturday, September 20, Goff will continue the program with more advanced drill commands, including wheeling and marching to the oblique. Visitors can learn and practice some of the more advanced drill commands. Goff will provide a quick recap of the lesson on September 13 for those who couldn’t attend.
On Saturday, September 27, Goff will demonstrate musket drills and give some instruction on the tactics used by musket-armed infantry.
These programs are included with paid admission to the site and will be held at the log fort located at 110 E. Ash St. in Fort Gibson, weather permitting. For more information, please call 918-478-4088.
The Fort Gibson Historic Site is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
###
Editor’s Note: Photos of the Fort Gibson Historic Site are available upon request.
