Comanche County, OK
In southwest Oklahoma, the golden shortgrass prairie extends for mile after mile - proving this captivating corner of Oklahoma more than lives up to its Great Plains Country title. Less than a century and a half ago, the Southern Plains were the domain of the Kiowa and Comanche who hunted buffalo until the herds were almost exterminated from the plains in the last half of the 19th century. Today, bison, longhorn cattle and elk roam free at the 60,000-acre Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.The Wichita Mountains are remnants of a mountain range that was formed more than 500 million years ago and subsequent erosion has resulted in the exposure of the granite and gabbro core. These mountains rise abruptly from the relatively flat surrounding plains, with several peaks on the refuge exceeding 2000 feet above sea level, interspersed with valleys and prairie grasslands.
It would be another century, on January 8, 1869, before Major General Philip H. Sheridan staked out the site that would become Fort Sill.
In July 1901, 29,000 homesteaders registered for the land lottery at Fort Sill. On August 6, the town of Lawton sprang up and quickly grew to become the third largest city in Oklahoma.
Lawton-Fort Sill flows southward into a flat plain with the Wichita Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop to the north. Thousands of tourists visit the National Wildlife Refuge in these mountains each year to explore an area full of roaming wildlife, romantic history, picturesque scenes, and the towering splendor of these mountains.
The peak of Mt. Scott, which towers 2,465 feet above sea level, can be reached by venturing the winding road that climbs above the refuge floor. The Holy City of the Wichitas is located nearby. This is the site of the famous Easter Pageant held each year on Easter Eve. The structures are recreations of the ancient city of Jerusalem and are open to the public for viewing. There are also several lakes and streams in the surrounding areas.
Explore Comanche County
The Meers Store
The Meers Store, serving up plate-sized longhorn beef burgers, is all that remains of a boom town born in the Wichita Mountains turn-of-the-century gold rush. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was once a drugstore, doctor'
Meers, OK One Of A KindsFort Sill History
The site of Fort Sill was staked out on January 8, 1869 by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan who led a Campaign into Indian Territory to stop hostile tribes from raiding border settlements in Texas Kansas. Sheridan'
Fort Sill, OK FortsLittle Chapel
The Little Chapel was built in 1902 and is believed to be Lawton's oldest remaining public building. Its stained glass and restored antique organ are a highlight of any visity to Lawton .
Lawton, OK Historic ChurchesMattie Beal Home
The Historic Mattie Beal Home is a 3,580 square foot, 14-room mansion constructed in 1907-1909. It sits on a portion of the 160-acres selected by Mattie Beal, the young woman whose name was drawn second in the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Land Lottery of 1901
Lawton, OK MuseumsLake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area
Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area is your one-stop family fun and outdoor recreation location. LETRA is nestled in the picturesque Wichita Mountains and offers a 360-acre lake surrounded by native prairie.
Lawton, OK RecreationOld Plantation Restaurant
Medicine Park, unique with its eccentric cobble buildings, was originally founded on July 4th, 1908 by Oklahoma Senator Elmer Thomas. Medicine Park was Oklahoma's first planned tourism resort located in the Wichita Mountains that drew state legislators, journalists and gangsters. Listed on the <
Medicine Park, OK Historic BuildingsWichita Mountains NWR - Hiking
The Refuge maintains four series of hiking trails as well as wayside exhibits throughout the Public Use Area. While visitors may hike anywhere in the Public Use Area of the Refuge, these trail systems are maintained for optimum viewing opportunities, ease of access, and diversity of scenery.
Lawton, OK Hiking Trails
Museum of the Great Plains
At the Museum of the Great Plains, the natural and cultural history of the Great Plains of north America is studied and shown in many exhibits and programs that will be enjoyed by all members of the family. Special events include a twice-yearly encampment of 1830
Lawton, OK MuseumsWichita Mountains NWR - Camping
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of camping opportunities.
- Doris Campground is a modern camping facility with individual and group sites.
- Fawn Creek Campground Lawton, OK Camping
Percussive Arts Society Museum
The Percussive Arts Museum and Library are currently closed and have been moved to Indianapolis, IN with the administrative offices as of April 2007. The PAS Museum and Library will open in a new space downtown Indianapolis in 2008.
Lawton, OK Museums