Fort Wayne
Historical marker location:
Watts, Oklahoma
( Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 59 and Main Street, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 59.)
Marker installed: 1995
Established in 1839, the army fort was named in honor of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. The fort was abandoned in May 1842. During the Civil War, in July 1861, Colonel Stand Watie used the fort as a Confederate post and organized the Cherokee Mounted Rifles. The fort was captured by Union forces in the Battle of Fort Wayne on October 22, 1862
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Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first Black woman to attend law school in Oklahoma. In 1946, she applied to the University of Oklahoma College of Law but was denied admission because of her race. She sued the university, and her case eventually went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. She went on to graduate from law school in 1951 and became a prominent civil rights attorney.
About Adair County
Adair County Timeline
Adair County, located in eastern Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Cherokee, and Shawnee. These tribes utilized the fertile land along the Illinois River for agriculture and established prosperous communities.
In the early 1800s, several Cherokee families from the southeastern United States were forcibly relocated to the area as part of the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation, led by Chief John Ross, established a government and infrastructure in what is now Adair County. Throughout the 19th century, the Cherokee Nation flourished and played a significant role in the regional economy.
During the American Civil War, Adair County saw its fair share of conflict. The Cherokee Nation, divided in its allegiances, experienced internal strife as some Cherokee supported the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. The county became a battleground for various skirmishes throughout the war, leaving behind a lasting impact on the local communities.
After the Civil War, Adair County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The Cherokee Nation began rebuilding its infrastructure, including schools, churches, and businesses. Agriculture became a major industry, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth and connected Adair County to other parts of the state.
Today, Adair County continues to thrive as a rural area known for its natural beauty and proud Native American heritage. The county remains closely tied to its Cherokee roots, with cultural events and celebrations honoring the tribe's history. Adair County's diverse past, from Native American settlements to the struggles of the Civil War, has shaped its identity and contributes to its vibrant and evolving community.
In the early 1800s, several Cherokee families from the southeastern United States were forcibly relocated to the area as part of the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation, led by Chief John Ross, established a government and infrastructure in what is now Adair County. Throughout the 19th century, the Cherokee Nation flourished and played a significant role in the regional economy.
During the American Civil War, Adair County saw its fair share of conflict. The Cherokee Nation, divided in its allegiances, experienced internal strife as some Cherokee supported the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. The county became a battleground for various skirmishes throughout the war, leaving behind a lasting impact on the local communities.
After the Civil War, Adair County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The Cherokee Nation began rebuilding its infrastructure, including schools, churches, and businesses. Agriculture became a major industry, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth and connected Adair County to other parts of the state.
Today, Adair County continues to thrive as a rural area known for its natural beauty and proud Native American heritage. The county remains closely tied to its Cherokee roots, with cultural events and celebrations honoring the tribe's history. Adair County's diverse past, from Native American settlements to the struggles of the Civil War, has shaped its identity and contributes to its vibrant and evolving community.
Adair County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adair County, Oklahoma.
- 1905 - Adair County is established as part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma.
- 1828 - The area that is now Adair County is part of the Cherokee Nation's territory.
- 1835 - The Treaty of New Echota forces the Cherokee Nation to give up their land east of the Mississippi River, including parts of present-day Adair County.
- 1839 - The Cherokee Trail of Tears takes place, with thousands of Cherokee people forcibly relocated to present-day Oklahoma.
- 1851 - The Cherokee Nation establishes the Goingsnake District, which includes parts of present-day Adair County.
- 1900s - The discovery of rich coal deposits in Adair County leads to an increase in mining activity and population growth.
- 1916 - The town of Stilwell is incorporated and becomes the county seat of Adair County.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Adair County, resulting in economic hardship for many residents.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and improved transportation infrastructure facilitates economic development and growth in Adair County.
- 2000s - Adair County continues to be a predominantly rural area, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy.