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Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle, and the Wichita Mountains During the Civil War: Exploring the Frontier's Forgotten Battleground

Kendall Ward

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Published in Colonel Bourland In North Texas And Indian Territory During The Civil War: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains During The Civil War

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In the annals of the American Civil War, the battles that raged in the heart of the Confederacy often overshadow the lesser-known conflicts that took place on the distant frontier. Yet, in the remote and rugged territory of the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma, a series of skirmishes and engagements unfolded that played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the war in the West.

At the center of this forgotten battleground were two frontier forts: Fort Cobb and Fort Arbuckle. Established in the years leading up to the Civil War, these forts were intended to protect the settlements and trade routes that were emerging in the Oklahoma Territory. However, with the outbreak of war in 1861, Fort Cobb and Fort Arbuckle became focal points of conflict between Union and Confederate forces.

Colonel Bourland in North Texas and Indian Territory During the Civil War: Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle and the Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle and the Wichita Mountains During the Civil War

by Patricia Adkins Rochette

4.6 out of 5

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Fort Cobb, Oklahoma Colonel Bourland In North Texas And Indian Territory During The Civil War: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains During The Civil War

The Battle of Round Mountain

One of the most significant battles that took place in the Wichita Mountains was the Battle of Round Mountain, fought on November 19, 1861. In this engagement, a Confederate force led by Colonel James McIntosh defeated a Union force under the command of Major Edward Wynkoop. The battle was a significant victory for the Confederates, as it gave them control of Fort Cobb and opened up the southern plains to their forces.

The Battle of Round Mountain was also notable for the use of Native American warriors by both sides. The Confederates allied with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, while the Union relied on the support of the Delaware and Shawnee. The participation of these warriors added a unique and often brutal dimension to the fighting.

The Siege of Fort Arbuckle

After the Battle of Round Mountain, the Confederates laid siege to Fort Arbuckle. The siege lasted for several months, with both sides engaging in periodic skirmishes. However, the Union forces were eventually able to hold out, and the Confederates were forced to withdraw.

Fort Arbuckle, Oklahoma Colonel Bourland In North Texas And Indian Territory During The Civil War: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains During The Civil War — Fort Arbuckle, Oklahoma, was besieged by Confederate forces during the Civil War.

The End of the War

The fighting in the Wichita Mountains continued throughout the Civil War, with both sides vying for control of the territory. However, after the fall of Vicksburg in 1863, the Union gained the upper hand in the West. Fort Cobb and Fort Arbuckle were eventually abandoned by the Confederates, and the Union forces secured control of the region.

The Civil War battles in the Wichita Mountains may not be as well-known as the great battles of the East, but they played a significant role in determining the outcome of the war in the West. The forts of Cobb and Arbuckle served as important strategic outposts, and the fighting that took place there helped to shape the course of American history.

Visiting the Battleground Today

Today, the battlefields of Fort Cobb and Fort Arbuckle are open to the public. Visitors can explore the ruins of the forts and walk the same ground where soldiers fought and died. Several historical markers have been erected to commemorate the battles, and a museum at Fort Cobb provides additional information about the history of the area.

Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma Colonel Bourland In North Texas And Indian Territory During The Civil War: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb Fort Arbuckle And The Wichita Mountains During The Civil War

The Civil War battles in the Wichita Mountains are a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in American history. The forts of Cobb and Arbuckle were key strategic outposts in the West, and the fighting that took place there helped to shape the course of the war. Today, the battlefields are open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore this forgotten piece of history and learn about the brave men who fought there.

Colonel Bourland in North Texas and Indian Territory During the Civil War: Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle and the Wichita Mountains: Fort Cobb, Fort Arbuckle and the Wichita Mountains During the Civil War

by Patricia Adkins Rochette

4.6 out of 5