Living History Programs at Fort Gibson Historic Site to Focus on Refugees at Military Outpost in 1860s

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The Fort Gibson Historic Site in Oklahoma will hold a series of living history education programs on March 14, 20 and 28 that focus on the experiences of refugees who relocated to the military outpost in the 1860s during the Civil War. The programs will explore the difficult decisions these refugees faced, their daily lives at the fort, and the supplies they received from the Union army.

Why it matters

The living history programs at Fort Gibson provide an opportunity to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of the Civil War - the experiences of civilian refugees, including women and children, who sought shelter at military outposts like Fort Gibson. These programs help bring history to life and give visitors a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by those displaced by the conflict.

The details

The living history programs at Fort Gibson will be presented by historical interpreter Seth Goff and will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on the scheduled dates. Goff will discuss the difficult decisions refugees faced, their daily activities and routines at the fort, and the food and other supplies provided to them by the Union army. The programs are included with paid admission to the historic site.

• The living history programs will be held on March 14, 20 and 28, 2026.
• The programs will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on each of the scheduled dates.