FORT RENO

Fort Reno was built as a military camp in 1874 to maintain order during Indian conflicts in the area, quell unrest, and evict settlers (known as "baby boomers") from the Indian Territory who were attempting to move there. Originally called Camp near the Cheyenne Agency, the site was named Fort Reno in 1876 in honor of General Jesse L. Reno, who was killed in 1862 during the Civil War, as was the nearby town of El Reno. In 1806, Congress approved an act creating all-black army regiments with white officers. The 9th and 10th Cavalry from these regiments (whose soldiers were nicknamed "Buffalo Sodiers" by the Indians) were stationed at Fort Reno from 1874 to 1880, intervening on numerous occasions to maintain order in the area. In 1889, Fort Reno soldiers were assigned to guard the frontier before the guns and rifles were fired on the Land Run on April 22, 1889. Beginning in 1907, Fort Reno played a key role in the transition from Indian Territory status to the creation of the current state of Oklahoma. A portion of the site has been occupied since 1948 by the Department of Agriculture, which conducts agronomic research and works to preserve the Great Plains region. Twenty-five buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places are adjacent to the parade ground. The Visitor's Center & Museum, rich in stories, is responsible for welcoming visitors.