Fire Destroys Barracks at Oklahoma’s Historic Fort Washita

The replica of a military barracks at Fort Washita in southeastern Oklahoma has been destroyed by fire.

The fire at the two-story building was reported about 7:30 a.m. Sept. 26. No injuries were reported.

The state fire marshal’s office is looking for the cause of the blaze.

The site is near Durant – about 135 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. It was established in 1842 as a military fort. It was abandoned in 1861 and taken over by the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

The site was acquired by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1962 and the barracks were built in 1972. It was designated a National Historic Location in 1965.

Park Superintendent Larry Marcy estimates the damage at $2 million.