Blockhouse on Signal Mountain
Off Mackenzie Hill Rd., Fort Sill, OKMessages were transmitted from a base station at the post to another station on Medicine Bluffs, and from there to the Signal Mountain Blockhouse. At times signals were relayed to the detachments on Mt. Scott in the Wichita Mountains and from there as far north as Fort Reno.
The Indians have utilized Signal Mountain long before the military for smoke signals because of the outstanding visibility provided throughout the surrounding area. During periods when Fort Sill troops were not operating the blockhouse, the Indians continued to use it, and several white frontiersmen were killed by raiding Indians in the 1870s.
"Blockhouse Signal Mountain" has been a familiar phrase to Field Artillerymen laying their guns ever since the Field Artillery School was founded here in 1911. Today the Post's main firepower demonstrations are held in the vicinity of Signal Mountain and the blockhouse on its summit is a visible point of historic interest to thousands of spectators
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
Oklahoma was the birthplace of many famous people, including Will Rogers, a humorist and actor; Brad Pitt, a famous Hollywood actor; and Reba McEntire, a country music singer and actress.
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.
Comanche County Timeline
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