National Register Listing

Fort Washita

SW of Nida on OK 199, Nida, OK
Local significance of the district:
Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people." The Choctaw Nation had a significant presence in the area that is now Oklahoma before it became a state.
Oklahoma random facts
Bryan County, OK is located in the southeastern part of the state, and it has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chickasaw. These tribes lived off the land and maintained a harmonious relationship with nature. However, their way of life was disrupted with the arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the early 1800s, the United States government began removing Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Many Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chickasaw people were forced to relocate to present-day Oklahoma, including Bryan County. The area became part of Indian Territory, designated to house these displaced tribes.

In the late 1800s, as the region became more populated, the need for organized local government arose. Bryan County was officially established in 1907, after Oklahoma became a state. It was named after William Jennings Bryan, a prominent political figure at the time and a known advocate for the rights of Native Americans.

Throughout the 20th century, Bryan County experienced significant economic changes. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought prosperity and development. The agriculture industry also played a vital role in the county's economy, with cotton, soybeans, and livestock farming being prevalent.

Today, Bryan County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse population. Its rich Native American heritage is celebrated through cultural events and festivals, and the county remains an important contributor to Oklahoma's economy. With its vibrant history and promising future, Bryan County stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of its people.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bryan County, Oklahoma.

  • 1891: Bryan County is established on July 16 by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature.
  • 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state on November 16, with Bryan County as one of its 77 counties.
  • 1915: The Durant Daily Democrat, Bryan County's first newspaper, begins publication.
  • 1927: Lake Texoma, a large reservoir on the Texas-Oklahoma border, is completed, providing recreation and water supply for the region.
  • 1962: The Choctaw Casino Resort, the first casino in Bryan County, opens in Durant.
  • 1987: The Durant Main Street Program is established to promote the revitalization and preservation of downtown Durant.
  • 1994: The Three Valley Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of Bryan County, opens in Durant.
  • 2000: The census shows a population of 36,534 in Bryan County.
  • 2017: The DiamonNet, a private submarine fiber optic cable network, is completed, improving internet connectivity in Bryan County.