Fort Towson Landing

Historical marker location:
Fort Towson, Oklahoma
( Marker is on U.S. 70 east of State Route 209, on the right when traveling east.)

The Fort Towson Landing was south of here on the banks of the Red River. Also known as the Public Landing, it served as a receiving point for soldiers and supplies delivered by keelboats and steamboats from 1824 to 1854. Traders at the Choctaw settlement of Doaksville and local planters received goods and transported cotton to New Orleans. The cotton went to textile mills in Great Britain and the eastern United States helping to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Commercial navigation on the Upper Red River continued until the early 1900s when railroads surpassed it an as economical mode of transportation

Loading...
Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state in the U.S. Many of these lakes were created by damming rivers and streams, and they provide recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Choctaw County, Oklahoma, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Before European contact, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Choctaw people. The Choctaw Nation, one of the Five Civilized Tribes, inhabited this region and established a strong presence in what is now Choctaw County.

In the early 19th century, the Choctaw people were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States and relocated to what is now Oklahoma. This forced removal, known as the Trail of Tears, took a significant toll on the Choctaw people, but they eventually rebuilt their lives in their new home.

Choctaw County was officially established in 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. The county was named after the Choctaw Nation, paying homage to the Native American heritage of the area. Over the years, the county's economy relied heavily on agriculture, with crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat being the main sources of income for many residents.

In the 20th century, Choctaw County experienced a boom in oil and gas production. Oil wells were discovered in the county, leading to an influx of industry and development. The discovery and extraction of oil brought economic prosperity to the county and contributed to its growth.

Today, Choctaw County continues to cherish its Native American heritage, with the Choctaw Nation playing an important role in the county's cultural landscape. The county is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and friendly communities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Choctaw County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Choctaw County is established when Oklahoma becomes a state
  • 1832-1834 - Choctaw Nation government treaties with the United States are signed
  • 1818 - Chickasaw Indian lands are ceded to the United States
  • 1805 - Land east of the Mississippi River, including present-day Choctaw County, becomes part of the Choctaw Nation
  • 1795 - Treaty of San Lorenzo establishes the boundary between Spanish West Florida and the United States, including present-day Choctaw County
  • 1539 - Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto explores the Southeast, influencing future European settlements in the area that would become Choctaw County