| City/Town: • Lawton |
| Location Class: • School |
| Built: • 1871 | Abandoned: • 1980 |
| Historic Designation: • National Register of Historic Places • Native American Heritage Site |
| Status: • Abandoned • Endangered |
| Photojournalist: • AbandonedOK Team • Emily Cowan |
Research is being continued on the Fort Sill Indian School campus.
Girls Dormitory – Building 309
Built: 1904/1920/1930 Abandoned: 1964
Bids for the construction of a stone dormitory and an addition to an existing dormitory at Fort Sill Indian School were announced in May 1904. Just a month later, on June 24, a contract was awarded for the project. The total cost amounted to $9,951, with a scheduled completion date of December 15, 1904. Once finished, the building measured 40 by 62 feet, stood three stories tall, and featured a full basement topped with an attic. Its exterior was constructed from native limestone, while the interior incorporated wood for the floors, partitions, and roof framing. The roof was covered with interlocking metal shingles.
The new Girls’ Dormitory featured some of the most modern amenities on campus, including indoor plumbing, steam heat, and electric lighting. The basement housed bathing facilities, a playroom, and a boiler room. On the first floor, there were two large dormitory rooms, a sitting room, and living quarters for the live-in matron. The second floor accommodated older girls in two spacious dormitory rooms, overseen by an assistant matron. As expected, the attic was used for storage.
On January 5, 1907, Building 309 was reportedly severely damaged by fire. In March, the Indian Bureau allocated $4,000 for its reconstruction. James H. Dunlop, the agency’s carpenter, was tasked with rebuilding the roof and second floor, both of which had been destroyed in the fire. However, delays caused by the late arrival of building materials extended his work into the summer.
Girls & Teachers in front KNEELING: L to R: Constance Keens, Jennie Titchywy Poolaw, Estine Jozhe, Nora Motah, Jessie Cable Noyahbad, Martha Asenap Tenequer, Mary Powetipe, Rose Wahahrockah Ahdosy, Pearl Joz-he, Hilda Lock Jones, Mabel Wahahrockah Poemoceah, Fostine, Margaret Bear, Maude Otipoby, and May Pesewonite Youngman.
SECOND ROW: L to R: Emma Delle Cannon, Lillian ?, Lucy Nauni, Amy Bear Tonemah, Bessie Monetatchi, Annie Coffey Gover, Merle RedElk Littlechief, Mabel Heath, and Lilly Quoetone Nahwooksy.
THIRD ROW: L to R: Maggie Heath Parker, Jane Pennah Hendricks, Esther Waysepappy, Blanche Titchywy, Mabel Poafybitty, Louis Otipoby, Cynthia Lookingglass, Gina Quoetone Pauahty, Mae Wauqua, Ida Lock, and Elsie Tahkopher Chaat.
FORTH ROW: L to R: Juanita Loco, Lula Pesauny Plumlee, Lizzie Pohocsucut Coosewoon, Virginia Poahway Tahmahkera, Maude Kosepeah RedElk Parton, Lillie Poco Pahcoddy, Annie Harry Coffey, Ellen Chockpoyah Merrick, and Rose Akoneto.
FIFTH ROW: L to R: Myrtle Parton, Minnie Monetatchi Bointy, Maud Chockpoyah Maddox, Anna Nauni, Julia Monoessy Wahnee, Eula Homovich Kaniatobe, Anna Mowatt, Doris Tippeconnie, ?.
SIXTH ROW: L to R: Lillie Tabbytite Crawford, Lydia Ahsitsiny LeBarre, Carrie Quoetone Sahmaunt, Mary Topetchy Tahkopher, Flora Niyah Roach, Ellen Heath, Ellen Otipoby Goodin, Jane Poco, and Maude Pesewonit Mihecoby.
SEVENTH ROW: L to R: Ida Pechido Wookmetooah Tomah, Racheal Maddox Michecoby, Maude Homovich RedElk, Clara Chasenah Wallace, Nellie Nauni, Agnes Atauvich Atuavich Wermy, Ossie Tahsuda Carney, Maude Tishecoddy Yellowfish, and Rebecca Yozzas.
TOP ROW: L to R: Maude Codynah, Margeret Cheevers Wallace, Adeline Hahnee Apauty, Helen Numarue Noyabad, Grace Wauqua Apauty, Helen Numarue Noyabad, Grace Wauqua Yoniacutt, Nora Koyus, Annie Palkopa Otipoby, Mrs. Anderson (Seamstress), Miss Mollie Phillips (Matron), and Jennie Deer (Ass’t Matron)
Over the next fifty years, the building underwent numerous improvements. A $1,357 contract was awarded for the construction of wooden sleeping porches across both stories at the back of the building. These porches were later rebuilt in the 1940s or 1950s. Today, they are deteriorating, with sections collapsing to the ground. Johnny Parker recalled, “My mom told me that one year, the school was so full they put up plywood porches and had her and all the other little girls sleep there in the winter. She said the only way they didn’t freeze to death was at lights out—she and her little cousin would huddle together in one bed with all their sheets and blankets, trying to keep warm the best they could.”
A one-story stone bath annex, built in 1920, still stands today but has completely caved in. Another modification included the addition of an open-roofed porch, which can be seen in historic photographs. However, in later years, this porch, along with the dormer windows, was removed.
One of the last major renovations was a two-story buff brick addition on the north side, which also extended the basement. This addition, completed in 1930, visibly contrasts with the original limestone structure, making it stand out. However, the materials used were sourced from other buildings on campus, and due to persistent overcrowding at Fort Sill Indian School, functionality took precedence over architectural consistency.
The building was vacated in 1964 when its utilities were disconnected. Shortly after, the Bureau of Indian Affairs condemned the structure, ordering its demolition. Salvaging efforts began, with interior fixtures and furniture being removed, but these efforts were met with immediate opposition from the National Park Service’s Historic Sites and Survey office. Preservationists argued that the building held significant historical value and should be restored rather than destroyed.
Due to this pushback, demolition was halted. Building 309 was boarded up, and a protective chain-link fence was installed around it. Preservation efforts advanced further when the building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1973—making it the only remaining structure on campus that predates the 1910s.
In 1984, members of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes joined forces to secure approximately $200,000 in funding, hoping to transform the former Girls’ Dormitory into an archive center. Their vision was to preserve historical documents, including photographs, manuscripts, newspapers, and tribal records. A key goal of the project was to protect and restore the murals located in the building’s basement.
Today, nature has nearly overtaken the building. The roof and interior floors have collapsed, the sleeping porches have detached and are slowly crumbling, and the bath annex stands gutted, a shell of its former self.
Entryway Sign
Built: 1933 Abandoned: 1958
The beautification of the Fort Sill Indian School grounds took place over the course of a year, from 1932 to 1933. One of the most significant projects involved planting 300 elm trees, which the government sourced from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. These trees were carefully placed along the roads leading to the school, around the entrance, and within the circular drive. To further enhance the landscape, additional shrubbery was purchased and arranged around the circle drive, adding to the school’s natural beauty.
The original plan for the entryway arches at Fort Sill Indian School called for three separate arches: one inscribed with Department of the Interior, another marking the entrance to the Kiowa Indian Hospital, and a third designating the Fort Sill Indian School. However, the final design consolidated all three into a single grand archway made of native stone. Completed in 1933, it bore the inscription: 1933 – U.S. Indian Service – Kiowa Indian Hospital – Ft. Sill Indian School. The arch was designed by Lawton architect Guy Dale.
Tragically, a large delivery truck attempted to pass through the arch despite lacking proper clearance, resulting in a devastating accident. The driver was reportedly killed instantly, and the structure suffered severe damage. The sign was removed and, for reasons unknown, eventually ended up discarded in a nearby creek.
Years later, Executive Director Yolonda Ramos discovered the location of the long-lost sign and wasted no time coordinating its recovery. A bulldozer was carefully maneuvered through thick brush to reach it. Still intact, the sign was secured with chains and slowly pulled out, inch by inch. The process carried the constant risk of the sign breaking apart, but Ramos remained determined, believing it could be retrieved in one piece. Finally, after a tense effort, the sign was fully intact and free from the creek.
Now back on campus, the sign stands as a powerful relic of the school’s history. The hope remains that it will soon be restored and displayed upright as a tribute to the former students of Fort Sill Indian School.
Gymnasium
Built: 1936 Abandoned: 1980
News of funding for a new gymnasium and auditorium at Fort Sill Indian School arrived via telegram in 1935. Approximately $40,000 was allocated for the gymnasium, with an additional $15,000 set aside for the construction of a dairy barn on campus. The gym’s design was intended to resemble that of Riverside Indian School.
Excavation work began in early 1936, with plans to complete the building by the end of the year. Unlike most government-funded projects of the era, this structure was built under direct government supervision rather than through an external contract. Much of the labor was carried out by older Native students attending the school.
After nearly a year of construction, the gymnasium was officially dedicated on November 7, 1936. The ceremony drew a large crowd, including several high-ranking officials from the U.S. Indian Service and Senator Elmer Thomas, chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. However, the most significant attendees were the hundreds of Comanche, Apache, and Kiowa community members who gathered alongside their “white friends” to celebrate the occasion. The event featured a barbecue, a football game, and a dance.
Among the guests were G.C. Dickes, Director of Indian Exhibits in the Department of the Interior, who served as the principal speaker, along with A.C. Monahan, George C. Wells, Supervisor of Indian Education in Oklahoma, and Charles A. Leech, Superintendent of Construction for the Indian Service of Oklahoma.
Over the decades, the gymnasium became a central hub for sporting events and tournaments. One of the most highly anticipated sports at Fort Sill Indian School was boxing. The school quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest boxers in the state. A 1930s article highlighted one of these matchups: “Fort Sill Indian School and Oklahoma City will fight it out tonight for the team championship of the second annual Lawton novice boxing tournament.” The tournament, hosted at the FSIS gym, saw the home team enter the ring with nine fighters, while Oklahoma City brought six. One of the night’s most anticipated fights was the 175-pound class showdown between FSIS’s John Draughon and Oklahoma City’s Jerry Smith.
Saving the Fort Sill Murals
But one of the greatest facets of this historic gymnasium/auditorium is the murals hidden on its walls. One of the artists, Cecil Murdock, stated that he wished to portray his heart, the things his race has lost, and of the beautiful ceremonials and customs of his people. The building at the time was said to be the only building in the world to depict Native designs in fresco.
Indian Art is Preserved in Ft. Sill Auditorium November 17, 1938 – Indian art is being preserved for posterity in mural and fresco secco painting on the interior of the Fort Sill Indian School’s combination gymnasium-auditorium here.
Life-sized Indian sports, bea work, shields of famed chiefs, and a local Wichita Mountain scene have been reproduced on the walls and curtains of the structure. A four month project, conducted by six young Indian artists from four tribes, is nearing completion. Their work was performed under the tutorship of Olle Nordmark of New York. Mostly earth colors are used.
The back curtain of the stage pictures a landscape scene with Mount Sheridan and other Wichita peaks in the background. Herds of buffalo and horses are grazing in the foreground. An Indian teepee on the bank of the stream is depicted on one side. Beadwork designs encircle the exterior of the front of the stage. Elk heads have been painted on the outside wall to the right and left of the stage.
Along the side walls are dozens of tribal designs of shields, rainclouds, and beadwork. Each of the shields represents a tribal leader. Among these are designs of shields of Quanah Parker and Heart Eater, Comanche leaders. Kiowa and Navajo leaders are also depicted.
On the wall at the south end of the auditorium are the life-sized paintings, all done in secco or dry fresco. To design in fresco is the art of painting on a surface of plaster. Dry fresco painting is on hardened plaster. The body colors are mixed with albumin, the surface smoother and dampened for secco painting.
Designs in fresco include a horse race, a snake race, and a brave catching a foul from the back of his racing horse. The auditorium in addition to being a gymnasium, is also a music hall. Indian flute players are represented. Other designs include archery and a marathon race. A rain cloud design is above the water fountain.
Performing the work were Spencer Asah a Kiowa of Apache, Steve Murdock a Kiowa of Fort Cobb, Cecil Murdock a Kickapoo of McLoud, James Auchiah a Kiowa of Saddle Mountain community in Comanche County, Leonard Riddles a Comanche of Walters, and Archie Blackowl a Cheyenne of Weatherford. Their names with Nordmark are printed near the entrance door, a tribute to their accomplishments.
Ida Luria Asah Jones, daughter of one of the artists Spencer Asah, remembers when the murals were done. As a child, she accompanied her father when he painted these murals in the Fort Sill Indian School gym in 1937. “I thought, one of these days I’m going to do that.” Jones went on to become an artist herself and helped her father work on a few murals.
Sadly, in 1962, the murals were lost when an unknown individual took it upon themselves to paint over the gym walls, erasing decades of history beneath a coat of white. However, hope for their restoration remains. Executive Director of KCA Intertribal Land Use, Yolonda Ramos, has made it her mission to preserve and revive as many historical elements of the school as possible, including the long-hidden murals.
In April 2023 Executive Director Yolonda Ramos began a project to uncover the murals around the campus with a special focus on the gymnasium. The work is meticulous and requires patience and precision so as not to damage the works of art underneath. Yolonda personally took on the task and has made progress having uncovered one of the shields painted to honor Comanche, Kiowa and Navajo chiefs.
But unfortunately, Ramos took a fall off a ladder one day while uncovering the art. She thankfully was not permanently injured but the incident, understandably, was a setback on the work. Since then she has tried to brainstorm ways to bring life back to the campus hosting numerous 5k runs, constructing a brand new trail around the campus and more. The mission of preserving the art, locating and restoring the cemetery and hopefully restoring some of the buildings is still ongoing. Make sure to follow the KCA Intertribal Land Use on Facebook to stay updated with the events.
School Building
Built: 1939 Abandoned: 1980
A few years after the gymnasium was built, plans for a brand-new school building were set in motion. With $72,000 in funding secured, the project called for a two-story, 12-room classroom building designed to modernize the Fort Sill Indian School campus.
Construction officially began on December 28, 1938, after the contract was awarded to the respected J.J. Bollinger Construction Company. Excavation of the site followed on January 2, 1939. To further enrich the school’s cultural and artistic significance, the same Native artists who had contributed murals throughout the campus were brought back to create new works for the building. The structure itself became a work of art, adorned with intricate Native designs and patterns along the roofline and featuring detailed wrought-iron work at the entrance.
One of the first major events held inside the new school building was an art show and sale featuring fifty watercolor paintings that depicted scenes of Native life. Hosted in the art shop room, the exhibition showcased work from eight talented students and four professional Native artists. The student artists included Leonard Riddles, Kenneth Attocknie, Galvis Prett (Comanche), Dizon Palmer, John Thomas Horse, and Wilson Ware (Kiowa), along with Irving White Bead (Caddo) and Francis Bosin (Kiowa/Comanche). The professional artists were Archie Black Owl, Cecil Murdock, Franklin Gritts, and Spencer Asah. In addition to the paintings, the show featured hand-painted Christmas cards, further highlighting the artistic talents fostered at the school.
Education at Fort Sill Indian School differed significantly from that of other boarding schools in the area. Rather than being divided by units of study, students engaged in units of work with a focus on vocational education. For example, during a six-week period they would study the Earth, sky, and sea, students explored subjects such as soil composition, atmospheric conditions, and cloud variations.
Every student was required to work a minimum of two hours per day in vocational training to “earn their keep.” For boys, this often meant learning trades like farming, milking cows, and butchering livestock. Girls, on the other hand, were taught homemaking skills, including sewing, cooking, and cleaning. Before the dining hall was built, they were responsible for preparing meals for their dormitories. The school’s farming operations ensured that much of the food served on campus came directly from its own land, and students learned the art of food preservation by canning perishable items for future use.
By the 1960s, the school promoted itself as a refuge for economically deprived Native children, with an enrollment of around 250 students. However, it also attracted students who preferred an alternative to traditional public schools. Admission requirements specified that applicants “must have an educational need,” particularly if they came from areas where access to schooling was limited or unavailable.
Over the decades, the mission of Fort Sill Indian School evolved multiple times. Originally established as an assimilation school for elementary school students, a vocational and agricultural school, and, in its final years, a coeducational high school.
As their mission changed, the school worked to get away from being viewed as a “farm and vocational school,” striving instead to align with state-accredited educational standards. This shift brought changes to the campus, which was transformed into a recreational area featuring tennis and basketball courts, riding stables, a small golf course, baseball and football fields, and expansive picnic areas.
Many students arrived at the school speaking little to no English, fluent instead in their Native languages. However, upon arrival, they were quickly forbidden from speaking their mother tongues. English reading, writing, and speech were strictly enforced, further reflecting the school’s early assimilationist policies.
Like much of the campus, this building was abandoned when the school officially closed in 1980. Based on its current state, its structural integrity appears to be beyond salvaging. While the outer shell might be repurposed, the collapsed interior floors would require a complete rebuild.
Missing Murals from Fort Sill Indian School
Upon my research of the school building, I came across a mystery of missing murals.
The walls in question are believed to have been part of the original school building on the Fort Sill Indian School campus. According to Harold Redding, who provided some historical insight, “The wall was originally part of the old Fort Sill Indian School building. It was painted on wet plaster by Cecil Murdock and Archie Blackowl. When I was supervising a WPA crew in 1939, we moved it when the old school building was torn down to make way for the new high school.”
Just a short time later, utilizing the mural walls and other salvaged materials, construction began on what would become known as the Indian Arts and Trade Center (IATC). Students contributed much of the labor to build the center, which was part of a $19,000 construction project. It was surrounded by a shop, storerooms, and several other brick buildings.
The IATC gave Native students at Fort Sill Indian School not only the opportunity to hone their craft by making different jewelry, paintings, and other forms of art but also allowed them to learn trades like electric work, contracting, etc. Students were able to put their crafts on display at the Indian Arts and Trade Center for sale.
This building was very short-lived being abandoned in 1948 and then turned into an apartment for staff. The IATC succumbed to the threat of urban development when Highway crews wanted to build a new road, one that would go right through the location of the IATC.
Crews began tearing down the center in 1954 but before turning the whole building into rubble, they left two walls with murals done by Cecil Murdock standing. A story about the demolition was put in the October 31, 1954 newspaper of the Lawton Constitution with the above picture.
M-Sgt Oliver T. Gross, presumed to have been stationed at Fort Sill at the time, and his wife were avid collectors of Native art. They had first seen the murals in a pile of debris in May and had since been seeking a way to save them. When the October 31 newspaper story came out they were able to be connected with the proper authorities of the building where they received permission to remove the walls.
Then started the difficult part of finding the funding to do it. Mr. Gross’s original plan was to disassemble the walls brick by brick, number them, and then reassemble them at his residence. Being as the murals were fresca this would have ruined them, and he decided that fully moving the wall was the best option for preservation. Since the artwork had been exposed to the elements for quite some time,e he was already in touch and making arrangements for a student of Cecil Murdock to assist in restoring them.
Originally, the walls were offered to the Comanche County Historical Society, but they had no place to move them to. So M-Sgt. Gross created the plan to set them in concrete facing the main road to Lake Lawtonka on his property and even agreed to deed that part of the land to the Historical Society if they desired.
Instead of taking the walls themselves, the CCHS began a campaign to raise $1,000 to finance the moving of the walls. C.E. Putney, who owned a house moving company, agreed to move the walls, fitting a portion of the bill but not all of it. This is where the additional money was to be raised.
Work on moving the walls began in December on moving the fresca works of art. Unfortunately, the walls are lost today. We have been unable to locate the location of M-Sgt Oliver Twist Gross’ house in Medicine Park to see if that history still lies or was demolished years after he and his family moved away.
Triplet Dormitory Buildings
Built: 1940, 1941, 1950 Abandoned: 1980
During the 1938 Congressional session, a $331,000 appropriation was passed for new construction at Fort Sill Indian School. Of that total, approximately $75,000 was allocated specifically for a new dormitory building. Plans and specifications for the dormitory were sent from Washington, D.C., to Kiowa Indian Agency Superintendent W.B. McCown. The proposed design called for a two-story brick building on the south side of the campus, intended to provide bed space for around 40 students.
The first dormitory at Fort Sill, along with the two that followed, served not only as living quarters but also as classrooms. The building was completed and opened just in time for the 1940 school year. Three Native painters from Phoenix, under the guidance of Mr. Nordmark, were commissioned to paint murals in the lounge of the new dormitory.
Before the first dormitory was even completed, plans for a second dormitory were already in the works. In July 1940, it was announced that the Kingery Construction Co. had won the bid for $64,000. Congress quickly approved the necessary funding.
By August 1940, preliminary work on the second dormitory had begun. The architecture was designed to match the layout, style, and materials of the first dorm. The second dormitory was completed and opened in 1941.
Efforts to secure funding for a third dormitory began almost immediately after the second one was started. In 1941, Congress approved $85,000 for the new building as the second dormitory neared completion. However, work on the third dormitory was halted “indefinitely” due to the ongoing World War II. The specific reason for the delay was the need for construction materials to support national defense efforts.
In 1949, conversations regarding the third dormitory resumed, and an additional $45,000 was approved, bringing the total appropriation to $130,000. Bids were sought in May, and Dittmars, Dickmann, and Pickens Construction won the contract. Work began in December of that year, with the dormitory scheduled to open by September 1950.
However, nationwide strikes delayed the delivery of some building materials, causing delays that prevented the dormitory from being ready for the 1950-51 school year. The dorms became a memorable part of the campus. Students referred to them as Attocknie Lodge, Geronimo Lodge, and Hunting Horse Lodge.
The evolving mission of the school over the years led to some challenges. One issue was that the Triplet Dormitories, constructed in the 1940s, were originally designed for younger, elementary-age children. As the campus transitioned to a coeducational high school for students aged 14 to 18, it became increasingly difficult to accommodate the older students within these buildings.
Later Dormitories
Built: 1967 Abandoned: 1980
Throughout the 1960s, the BIA began assessing the safety of some of the older buildings at Fort Sill Indian School. One of the oldest structures, the Girls’ Dormitory, was condemned and shut down. The Boys’ Dormitory, built around the same time, was also being scrutinized for safety concerns. Additionally, as I mentioned above, the Triplet Dormitories were far too small. With the loss of one dormitory and the potential closure of another, the school urgently needed replacements.
When the Girls’ Dormitory was shut down, 76 girls were displaced, and the Dairy Barn was repurposed as temporary housing until new dormitories could be constructed. To fund the project, a request for $1.14 million was submitted to Congress. However, a more ambitious plan emerged: a four-year, $3.75 million building proposal.
The first phase of the plan included the construction of two identical, two-story, air-conditioned dormitories, designed to house 128 students. The plan also called for ten new staff residences, a new gymnasium, a new auditorium, a 12-classroom building, a warehouse, a football field, a garage, and other facilities. While some aspects of this plan were completed, many others did not come to fruition.
Construction work on the new dormitories and staff residences began in 1966, with about 20 workers employed full-time on the project. The contract was awarded to V and N Construction Co., and the new dorms were designed to increase the school’s capacity to approximately 400 students.
However, when the school closed in 1980, these two dormitories and the Triplet Dorms were left abandoned. In recent years, the Tribes have shown renewed interest in restoring these two buildings and transforming the campus into a functional space once again. However, this time it would be one that celebrates and encourages our heritage, not one that strips it away.
To date, these two buildings have already undergone asbestos abatement, which is often one of the most challenging aspects of the restoration process. The biggest obstacle now is securing the necessary funding to not only rehabilitate the buildings for regular use but also to ensure they can be maintained for the future.
Dining Hall
Built: 1962 Abandoned: 1980
In 1962, President Kennedy initiated efforts to secure funds for a new dining hall and kitchen at Fort Sill Indian School. By September of that year, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction for the new facility.
The dining hall officially opened on October 26, 1963, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house. The new facility was designed to seat 168 students. Mrs. Winona Quenton was appointed to oversee the planning and supervision of meals. At the time, Talmage Heard served as the school superintendent, and the student body had grown to about 270 students, with roughly 60 percent of them being Navajo.
Gallery Below of Fort Sill Indian School
Girls Dorm
“Aug 09, 1964, Page 11 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/12582113/?match=1.
“Feb 20, 2000, Page 5 – The Daily Oklahoman at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/454289490/?match=1&terms=%22girls%20dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Jan 31, 1984, Page 20 – The Daily Oklahoman at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/452256965/?match=1&terms=%22girls%20dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/Page%20H.%20Belcher%20Collection,%201951-1972/88th%20Congress-CAC_CC_004_7_0000_0000_0000/CAC_CC_004_7_77_16A_0000-Interior%20Department%20-%20Departmental%20-%20Bureau%20of%20Indian%20Affairs,%201963-1964/CAC_CC_004_7_77_16A_0006.pdf.
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“Nov 13, 1906, Page 2 – The Oklahoma Post at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/582189802/?match=1&terms=%22fire%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
NPGallery Search, npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/97127d96-ca97-44f0-a5ca-17aefc1b27ff.
NPGallery Search, npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/97127d96-ca97-44f0-a5ca-17aefc1b27ff.
Entry Sign
“Mar 06, 1955, Page 23 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902130688/?match=1.
“Mar 07, 1933, Page 2 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873823491/?match=1&terms=fort%20sill%20indian%20school%20%22entrance%22.
“Mar 18, 1933, Page 16 – Harlow’s Weekly at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/657314530/?match=1&terms=fort%20sill%20indian%20school%20%22entrance%22.
https://www.kgou.org/indigenous-news/2024-08-15/91-year-old-fort-sill-indian-school-relic-recovered-from-creek-near-lawton
Gym
“Dec 02, 1935, Page 7 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873516548/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Dec 18, 1938, Page 9 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873372211/?terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
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“Feb 02, 1944, Page 4 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873316050/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 16, 1936, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873521264/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 22, 1936, Page 1 – Anadarko Daily News at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872891862/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“May 05, 1955, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872759698/?match=1&clipping_id=168474093.
“Murals.” Oklahoma Supreme Court, oksc.oscn.net/art/murals/.
“Nov 06, 1936, Page 1 – The Ada Evening News at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/908063305/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Nov 08, 1936, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873617446/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Nov 17, 1938, Page 2 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/906610058/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Oct 02, 1935, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873511922/?match=1&terms=%22gymnasium%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
School Building
“Aug 27, 1950, Page 14 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872230028/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Dec 01, 1954, Page 11 – Lawton Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902213707/?match=1&terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Dec 01, 1954, Page 2 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872743990/?match=1&terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Dec 02, 1954, Page 2 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/904736343/?match=1&terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Dec 03, 1954, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872744149/?match=1&clipping_id=168779257.
“Dec 13, 1946, Page 1 – The Apache Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/743071286/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Dec 28, 1938, Page 1 – Anadarko Daily News at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872914199/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Feb 17, 1954, Page 1 – Lawton Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902790863/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Feb 27, 1966, Page 58 – The Daily Oklahoman at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/451529814/?match=1.
“Jan 05, 1939, Page 1 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/906610537/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Nov 15, 1954, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872743208/?match=1&terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Nov 15, 1954, Page 2 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872743212/?terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Nov 24, 1954, Page 5 – Lawton Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902213026/?match=1&terms=%22oliver%20gross%22%20murals.
“Nov 30, 1939, Page 5 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873383129/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
“Oct 31, 1954, Page 3 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902206367/?clipping_id=168750547.
“Sep 20, 1938, Page 3 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873367358/?match=1&terms=%22school%20building%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school.
Dining Hall
“Jan 18, 1962, Page 1 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/666402814/?match=1&terms=%22dining%20hall%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Oct 20, 1963, Page 25 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902088260/?match=1&terms=%22dining%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Sep 06, 1962, Page 2 – Lawton Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902105871/?match=1&terms=%22dining%20hall%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
DORMS
“Apr 03, 1938, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873489359/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Apr 12, 1940, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873458728/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Aug 08, 1940, Page 5 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873369309/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Aug 08, 1969, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/23501250/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Aug 22, 1940, Page 3 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/906616957/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Dec 10, 1967, Page 12 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/38803901/?match=1.
“Dec 15, 1949, Page 1 – Lawton Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/902101274/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Facebook.” Facebook, www.facebook.com/groups/4205329157/?multi_permalinks=10155185258989158&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen.
“Facebook.” Facebook, www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1151727714842577&set=gm.10153568466854158.
“Facebook.” Facebook, www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=7112389072109715&set=gm.10160734278934158&idorvanity=4205329157.
“Feb 06, 1966, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/38797778/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Feb 07, 1939, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873351536/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 21, 1972, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/36552006/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 21, 1972, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/36552006/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 28, 1965, Page 4 – Lawton News-Review at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/743532910/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jan 29, 1967, Page 8 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/38802537/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jul 20, 1958, Page 9 – The Lawton Constitution And Morning Press at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/38792854/?match=1&clipping_id=168659215.
“Jul 21, 1940, Page 3 – Anadarko Daily News at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873066003/?match=1&terms=%22dorm%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Jun 15, 1941, Page 6 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873497596/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Mar 08, 1949, Page 1 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873470937/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“May 24, 1949, Page 3 – Claremore Daily Progress at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/909080369/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Nov 30, 1941, Page 4 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/873488986/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
“Sep 26, 1952, Page 2 – The Lawton Constitution at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com.” Historical Newspapers from the 1700’s-2000s, www.newspapers.com/image/872748568/?match=1&terms=%22dormitory%22%20fort%20sill%20indian%20school%22.
Fort Sill Indian School,
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My grandmother came to the school at the age of 5 in 1891 as a ward of her uncle, Julian W. Haddon. He had previously been the Superintendent of the Riverside School at Anadarko and in June 1891 was appointed the first Superintendent of the Fort Sill school. He was transferred in 1894 to the school in Shoshone, Wyoming but returned to Fort Sill as Superintendent in 1898. He remained there until 1908 when the superintendent position was eliminated and then transferred to the school at Rosebud, South Dakota. My grandmother met my grandfather, a BIA employee, at Rosebud. He… Read more »
Tom Pearson
My dad coached basketball there , his name is Dale Osborn.
He was my coach. He was a good coached. My junior year.
If anyone has any pictures of Gladys Roughface, I am in search of some. She was my mother. My name is Bobby Stroble any pictures or stories shared would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Join the discussion… I went to school with her she was my brother in law’s cousin from Ponca City, he was a BlueBack
Hello Bobby, I went to school there and I remember your Mother. She was such a nice person. I have alot of good memories of the old fort. I graduated in 75′.
My home away from home, my brothers and sisters from another place 🙂
I went there yesterday my dad had an appointment at the Indian hospital so I decided to go exploring because in December 2016 I drive by after leaving the hospital and a low humming began to grow in my ears I got out and stepped on the property and the humming grew into a whisper so I decided on our next trip I would go deeper onto the property so yesterday my dogs and I walked the property again as before the whispering started as soon as I got to the first building on the left the feelings that came… Read more »
I just read your comments. I went there for a few years back in the early 70s. I had a lot of good memories while there but also some loneliness too being so far from home with no family close by. Weekends and Holidays were the hardest everyone one would go home and the place was so quiet. Sometimes on weekends or holidays a family would check me out and take me to their homes. I always appreciated those times and their kindness. I always remember coach Reed taking me home for Thanksgiving and meeting his family. They were so… Read more »
Sam and Amanda Moats taught at the Golebo School in the late 1800's. Is there any record of the school at that time. I have a small photo of them in that location.
She was my great aunt. I would appreciate any information the Historical Association could provide!
joanewitt23@gmail.com. Thank you!
I attended in my junior year for a few months of the school year, the year before it closed. I met a lot of great kids there. Too bad they closed it.
Anyone know LeRoi Light:D
I have lots of memories of the ole Fort. I was only there for 2 years. My Junior & Senior year. Made lots of friends from all over the states.(68-70). I'm from Shawnee,OK. I seen that Benita W. made a comment earlier. Was glad to see her name. It's sad to see the ole place like it is now,but I do have memories. I hope that there are still many friends out there, that is still going. Fixico (Larney) is still going.
I attended Fort Sill 1968 thru 1970. I graduated in 1970. I made many friends there. I'm from Oklahoma and it
was the best time of my life in High School years. My friend had already been there before I started school there. We were from the same town. I'm glad that she suggested that I attend Fort Sill. I made so many friends from so many states. Different tribes. It was sad to see the school close. Wasted buildings.
gosh I went to school there *74-75 and I loved the place,,,lots of wonderful memories and met a lot of awesome people and made friends with wonderful beautiful people, I will always cherish the time I spent at F.S.I.S.
How can there be achievement awards dated 1996 in that building if it was abandoned in 1988? (See slide 27.)
Fort Sill Indian School was my home away from home for 4 school years. I graduated in 1966. Being at the ole Fort were the best days of my life, I made some close friendships there, and I still keep in touch with them, they are family to me. My wish is that the Fort would re-open someday.
Excellent photo set. My compliments to the photographer. That stack of award certificates that were inexplicably never handed out was quite haunting. They're dated 1996, so I'd say that was the last year the school was in use. Would that be accurate?
No, there were other education programs in the Lawton area that utilized some of the building after the closing of the school. KCALUC was also there and operated the KCA lands.
My name is Joseph Cortez I lived therein the80s my grandma was part of the rehab me ad my cousin we lived in front of the tenniscourts I. Was 6or7 well one day I was looking for my cat so I looked out the window in the firstdorm that faces are house it was the second floor like the fourth window I saw a girl looking at me it was clear as day she had gray clothes on and wild hair she looked write at me I remember my eyes got wet like I was crying i new that ever… Read more »
My mom attended high school and graduated from Ft. Sill Indian School during the early 1950's. She spoke of it fondly, especially of the friendships she made while she was there. She was Navajo from Arizona and a long way from home. I still have a newspaper article & picture of her as a Homecoming Queen nominee!
What was your mother's name then? My dad went to school there too, he graduated in the early 1950's too. His name is Walter J Conroy, he works at Haskell now (still, at 79 years young!)
myDad also went there in the 1950's and his name was William Henry White and went by Bill.
hello… reading the replies … my father went to school there in the 50’s as well (he’s now 83 turning 84). This is an awesome finding … ~arizona
went there in the mid seventies,lot's of good memories, had a good time meeting different people, stayed there for the christmas break, had a friend from Elgin that i stayed with, hope to go back some day
My Grandmother & her siblings went here in the early 1900's. She used to tell us about it when we would visit the Indian hospital in Lawton.
If there are any of the ole bops out there please comment, I MISS you all and all the good times we had at the Fort.
Does anyone out there remember Eddie Stephenson? I met him at NEO A&M in Miami in 74. He came from Fort Sill in High School. I roomed with him in college. Neat guy. He brought me to Anadarko over spring break. Cool memories with him!
Been to that school even graduated there in one of the last classes really miss it and all the ole bop