Fort Gibson Historic Site

Construction Updates

Progress is underway at Fort Gibson Historic Site, including restoration and preservation of historic structures and general improvements to the site. Restoration of the stone barracks is financed with funding from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures Grant and matching funds from the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Update: August 6, 2026

  • Broken sidewalks have been removed around the barracks.
  • A new trench for electrical service was dug and conduit was placed.
  • A new meter pole has been placed at the corner of the site.
  • Masonry restoration tests have been conducted and will be reviewed by mid-August. Burlap and misters are being used to keep the mortar damp.
  • Hand-cleaning is taking place around historic graffiti on the barracks.
  • Truss repair begins mid-August.

Two men stand outside the stone barracks, near a shallow trench. Cars and the historic hospital are in the background.

A view of the end of the barrackes shows a cherry picker at the top of the building. Long pieces of burlap cover the mortar from the top of the building to the ground. Workers in high-visibility clothing tend to a trench, one carries a shovel, and another looks toward the building.

A closer view of the burlap covering the end of the stone barracks. A small trailer and two workers under an umbrella are visible in the bottom-left of the photo.



Previous Updates

July 15, 2026

Stone Barracks Work Completed To Date

  • Demolition of existing HVAC and Electrical components
  • Demolition of existing wooden deck, stairs, and ramp.
  • Demolition of existing second-story ceiling for structural observation.
  • Installation of temporary roof structural support.
  • Removal and salvaging of existing slate roof.
  • Removal and cataloging of existing patio stone for replacement.
  • Removal for restoration of existing windows and doors.

The two-story stone barracks under restoration, with boarded-up windows and a temporary balcony framework. A skid-steer loader sits nearby, next to a dumpster.

Current Project Status

  • The ceilings have been removed and team is assessing interior joists.
  • A new electrical pole and underground wiring have been approved, and installation is now being coordinated with OG&E and contractor
  • Period-specific masonry mortar has been approved.
  • Slate roof has been removed and stored safely. A weather barrier has been installed so work can continue on the interior rooms.
  • Stone porch adjustments have been approved and the reinstallation can proceed.

Adjutant’s Office

  • Interior and exterior design plans have been finalized for restoration of the Adjutant’s Office.
  • The exterior will include the addition of a porch much like the one featured on the original structure.
  • The interior will feature an upgraded kitchen and restroom facility, allowing for expanded programming at Fort Gibson.
  • Budgeted funding: $410,000

Commissary

  • Interior and exterior designs are in the planning stage. Will be finalized in the summer 2026.
  • Anticipated work: mortar work and restoration of all doors and windows.
  • Improved collections storage area
  • Budgeted funding: $310,000

General Site Improvements

  • Architect for all projects: Mass Architects
  • Contractor for all projects: Quad Construction
  • A new, paved parking lot has been designed and will be adjacent to the Visitor Center. The parking area should be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

June 5, 2026

Stone Barracks Work Completed To Date

  • Demolition of existing HVAC and electrical components
  • Demolition of existing wooden deck, stairs, and ramp.
  • Demolition of existing second-story ceiling for structural observation.
  • Installation of temporary roof structural support.
  • Removal and salvaging of existing slate roof.
  • Removal and cataloging of existing patio stone for replacement.
  • Removal for restoration of existing windows and doors.


View of the stone barracks from the side, showing scaffolding and covering where windows were removed. Inside view of the barracks showing ceiling beams and supports and window openings with temporary wood coverings.

The exterior of the barracks with scaffolding and wood covering the first-floor deck. The second-floor balcony has been removed.

Current Project Status

  • General contractor has received structural requirements/repairs following above ceiling evaluations by structural engineer.
  • Awaiting approval for new underground electrical requirements based on OG&E’s new pole location.
  • Awaiting final approval for period-specific masonry mortar selection.

Adjutant’s Office

  • Interior and exterior design plans have been finalized for restoration of the Adjutant’s Office.
  • The exterior will include the addition of a porch much like the one featured on the original structure.
  • The interior will feature an upgraded kitchen and restroom facility, allowing for expanded programming at Fort Gibson.
  • Budgeted funding: $410,000

Commissary

  • Interior and exterior designs are in planning stage. Will be finalized summer 2026.
  • Anticipated work: mortar work and restoration of all doors and windows.
  • Improved collections storage area
  • Budgeted funding: $310,000

General Site Improvements

  • Architect for all projects: Mass Architects
  • Contractor for all projects: Quad Construction
  • New gravel has been placed in the current parking lot next to the Visitor Center, making for an easier turn off from the road.
  • A new, paved parking lot has been designed and will be adjacent to the Visitor Center. The parking area should be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

May 1, 2026

Stone Barracks

  • Work has commenced on the restoration of the stone barracks. This project is financed with funding from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures Grant and matching funds from the Oklahoma Historical Society.
  • All exterior windows and doors have been removed and are being restored by Old Home Rescue, an Oklahoma City–based company.
  • The stone porch is being restored.
  • Scaffolding is up to begin removing the wooden porch. This will be replaced, along with the staircase to the second floor.
  • Plans are being drawn for interior restoration.
  • Budgeted funding: $1,800,000


A temporary fence around the barracks renovation project with a sign crediting the National Park Service grant

Adjutant’s Office

  • Interior and exterior design plans will be finalized in early May for the restoration of the Adjutant’s Office.
  • The exterior will include the addition of a porch much like the one featured on the original structure.
  • The interior will feature an upgraded kitchen and restroom facility, allowing for expanded programming at Fort Gibson Historic Site.
  • Budgeted funding: $410,000

Commissary

  • Interior and exterior designs are in the planning stage and will be finalized in the summer of 2026.
  • Anticipated work: mortar work and restoration of all doors and windows.
  • Improved collections storage area
  • Budgeted funding: $310,000

General Site Improvements

  • Architect for all projects: Mass Architects
  • Contractor for all projects: Quad Construction
  • New gravel has been placed in the current parking lot next to the Visitor Center, making for an easier turn off from the road.
  • A new, paved parking lot has been designed and will be located adjacent to the Visitor Center. The parking area should be completed in the first quarter of 2027.