Area Information

In 1824, increasing tensions between the Cherokee and Osage nations led the US Army to relocate from Fort Smith, AR, to a point 3 miles upstream from the convergence of the Arkansas, Grand and Verdigris rivers. Colonel Arbuckle oversaw construction of a wooden stockade named Cantonment Gibson in honor of Colonel George Gibson. The Army served at the fort until 1871. In 1872, after the coming of the railroad, the fort was reactivated. By 1890, the Army abandoned Fort Gibson permanently.

Muskogee Regional Medical Center and Veterans Hospital serve area health needs. Veterans Medical Affairs Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Hospital also are available. Recreation Five major reservoirs provide over 140,000 surface acres of water for canoeing, scuba diving, fishing or other activities. Area rivers and lakes comprise extensive outdoor recreation. Fort Gibson Dam, one of 3 on the Grand River, provides flood control, electricity, recreation and sports. River Park provides a boat ramp to the McClellan-Kerr Navigational Channel and is the southern trailhead of the Jean Pierre Chouteau National Hiking Trail. There are over 30 parks, 13 tennis courts, theaters and much more. Muskogee has a water park, swimming pools, skate parks, a raceway and physical fitness facilities. The area also offers excellent golf, hunting and fishing opportunities. Local Attractions Every Labor Day weekend, the Cherokee Nation commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution of 1839. The annual event, called Cherokee National Holiday, is a celebration of Cherokee heritage, cultural awareness and reuniting of families. Thousands of Cherokees and visitors from across the United States and abroad make the pilgrimage to the historic Cherokee Nation capital in Tahlequah. The Cherokee Nation 3-day celebration is jam-packed with activities for all ages from traditional games like cornstalk shoot and blowgun competition to the more familiar golf and softball tournaments. Hundreds of vendors and craftspeople set up booths where visitors may view and purchase authentic Native American products and foods. Dancers from all over the United States compete for prizes and honors. Other local events include Victorian Valentine Workshop, Public Bake Day & 19th Century Dance Workshop, Old Fort Days Art/Heritage Festival, Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, "RUN FOR ARTS" and many more. Fort Gibson Historic Site is the National Historical Landmark Site of the first military post in Oklahoma. It was headquarters of the Southwestern Frontier during the Trail of Tears. Fort Gibson National Cemetery, established in 1868, was the first National cemetery in Oklahoma. It contains many of Oklahoma's Civil War and Indian war dead. Cherokee National Cemetery, another national historic Landmark, was maintained by the Cherokee Nation from before the Civil War until its transfer to the town of Fort Gibson in 1906. Historic Garrett House Museum, built in 1870 as the Fort's Commanding officer's residence, was purchased circa 1900 by Sid Garrett, a prominent businessman and banker in Fort Gibson. This large gracious home was renovated and restored by private owners from 1995-97. With over 550 dealers in antiques and collectibles Muskogee has become known among collectors as Oklahoma's "Antique Country." Ataloa Lodge Museum houses one of the finest privately owned collections of traditional and contemporary Native American art in the entire nation. It currently holds over 20,000 priceless artifacts. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum was arranged as a tribute to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole tribes. Many cultural programs are hosted by the museum such as the Masters Art Show, Art Under The Oaks, the Competitive Art Show, the Student Art Show, book signings and tours. Three Rivers Museum of Muskogee tells the story of the settlement and development of the Three Rivers area of Oklahoma. It offers rotating exhibits on the history of the region. The Haunted Castle, an incredible 60-acre Halloween theme park, runs on weekends in October. The U.S.S. Batfish War Memorial Park Museum is one of Muskogee's unique attractions. An actual World War II submarine, the Batfish sank 3 enemy submarines and 11 other enemy vessels. The annual Muskogee Air Show features a variety of military planes and civilian performers. This air show brings thousands of spectators each year to see parachuting, aerobatics, military and law enforcement air displays, and many static displays for up-close viewing. Muskogee's Azalea Festival was named as one of the United States' "top 100 events" by the National BLIS Association. Garden of Lights is a winter wonderland.

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