Fort Smith -- Santa Fe Trail

[Robert E Lee Hyde]

Much is known about the northern branch of the Santa Fe Trail that runs from western Missouri, across Kansas, across a bit of the Oklahoma Panhandle, and a bit of texas before entering New Mexico.

 

An equally popular trail for immigrants heading west from the Southern states was the route leaving from the river-port-city of Ft. Smith, crossing Indian Territory along the south bank of the Canadian River, on across the Texas Panhandle, and into New Mexico.

 

My question to forum members from Oklahoma:  What forts and towns existed along this trail in 1869?  I've googled the heck out of this and can't pin anything down.  Reason for this is my latest book has this trail as the pathway chosen by two families in the late fall of 1869 who have rebelled against Carpetbag misrule in Arkansas.  There had to have been some army forts along this well-traveled route.  I'd appreciate any replies.  thanks

[C. F. 'Charley' Eckhardt]

Certainly FT Arbuckle in Indian Terr.  It was established about 1869.  There was absolutely nothing in the Texas panhandle at the time.  That was Comacheria.  The army didn't get into there after 1st Adobe Walls until the '70s.

[Robert E Lee Hyde]

Thanks for the reply Charley.  Problem is Ft Arbuckle proved to be such a disease-ridden place the govt moved men and equipment down to Ft Sill in 1869, leaving only a token force to guard supplies, and finally turning it over to Chickasaw Nation in the spring of 1870.  There had to be other towns friendly to wagon trains along the trail.  The only one I've found so far was Perryville (later McAlester) over on the eastern side of the territory.  If you come up with anything, let me know.