Comanche Reformed Church

Historical marker location:
Lawton, Oklahoma
( Marker can be reached from Indian Trail Road north of NW Mission Boulevard, on the left when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1971

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The famous Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, passes through the state of Oklahoma. The state has several unique landmarks along the route, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn in Arcadia.
Comanche County, Oklahoma has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache. These tribes lived off the land, hunting buffalo and practicing a nomadic lifestyle.

In the 19th century, European settlement and exploration began in the area. The United States government established several military forts to control the Native American tribes and protect settlers. Fort Sill, which was established in 1869, played a significant role in the region's development. It became an important center for communication, trade, and military operations, and it remains operational to this day.

The Land Run of 1901 was a defining moment in Comanche County's history. Thousands of individuals rushed to claim land when the territory opened up for settlement. This event brought a wave of new settlers, who established towns, built farms, and contributed to the development of the county.

In the 20th century, Comanche County became a hub for the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s led to a boom in the local economy and population. The oil industry brought new jobs, businesses, and prosperity to the area.

Today, Comanche County is a thriving community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to Fort Sill and the bustling city of Lawton, which serves as the county seat. The county continues to grow and evolve, while preserving its unique heritage and connection to its Native American roots.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Comanche County, Oklahoma.

  • 1820s - Comanche Native American tribe settles in the area
  • 1836 - Congress establishes Indian Territory, which includes Comanche County
  • 1851 - Treaty of Fort Atkinson is signed, creating a reservation for the Comanche
  • 1872 - The U.S. government establishes the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation in present-day Comanche County
  • 1901 - Lawton is established as the county seat
  • 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state and Comanche County becomes part of it
  • 1910s - Oil discoveries lead to an economic boom in the county
  • 1942-1945 - Fort Sill, located in Comanche County, serves as a major training center during World War II
  • 1950s-1960s - Integration and civil rights movements impact the county
  • 2004 - Comanche Nation enters into a gaming compact with the state of Oklahoma, allowing the operation of casinos