I just found out that I will be stationed in FT Sill and head there in about a month. Does anyone know anything about the base and surrounding areas? Also any advice on housing would be great. Thanks!
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Ft. Sill, OK
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Last: 9 yr ago by BQ78
I went there for Army ROTC Summer Camp before I switched to Air Force my last semester, but believe the Army still calls them Posts instead of Bases. Can't give you any more advise other than avoid what was called "the Impact Area" (if it is still there) in downtown Lawton. Still remember the beer bottle that missed my head when the "dancer" did not find my comment amusing.
Yeah it looks like the area might be a little rough.
Blockhouse Signal Mountain
You're probably more interested in the actual post, housing, etc.
But as a history buff and tourist, It's a pretty cool place to visit. The original post from the 1870s is still there around the parade field. While most of the old cavalry barracks are now (very good) museums, a few of the houses are still occupied by Ft. Sill staff. Unless I am mistaken, the post commander still lives in the old commander's house.
If you know anything about the Red River Wars of 1870s Texas, you'll know that Sill was where the last of the Indian tribes on the southern plains finally came into the reservation. Lots of history there.
They have the Army Field Artillery Museum there, more big guns than you knew even existed.
If you like outdoor stuff, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is right next door. And, of course, you have to eat a hamburger at Meers store. Several lakes in the area, and its not terribly far from there to skiing in New Mexico and Colorado. Also a short drive from DFW, if you need the big city.
But as a history buff and tourist, It's a pretty cool place to visit. The original post from the 1870s is still there around the parade field. While most of the old cavalry barracks are now (very good) museums, a few of the houses are still occupied by Ft. Sill staff. Unless I am mistaken, the post commander still lives in the old commander's house.
If you know anything about the Red River Wars of 1870s Texas, you'll know that Sill was where the last of the Indian tribes on the southern plains finally came into the reservation. Lots of history there.
They have the Army Field Artillery Museum there, more big guns than you knew even existed.
If you like outdoor stuff, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is right next door. And, of course, you have to eat a hamburger at Meers store. Several lakes in the area, and its not terribly far from there to skiing in New Mexico and Colorado. Also a short drive from DFW, if you need the big city.
Great post, Canyon. One of my ancestors was an officer in the 10th Calvary at Ft Sill (the Buffalo soldiers) and was at Ft Sill in the 1870s. He lived in one of the houses around the parade ground - houses that are still occupied as you pointed out.
I was an AF brat and then served in the AF, so I'm not an expert on Army posts. But from what I have seen of Lawton I don't think it is all that different from most towns around Army posts. It is a little off the beaten path, but there is an Interstate that passes nearby, so it is very accessible by road. Air service really sucks, though. Very expensive, very few flights, and very small planes.
Lawton is hot and dusty in the summer and does get significant snow one out of three years, but it doesn't stay around for long. Tornadoes/severe wx are around in the Spring, but Lawton is a little south of the main Tornado Alley area. The May 3rd, 1999 tornado that killed 46 people in the Moore/OKC area (and just missed my house and Tinker AFB) actually started in the Ft Sill area.
I was an AF brat and then served in the AF, so I'm not an expert on Army posts. But from what I have seen of Lawton I don't think it is all that different from most towns around Army posts. It is a little off the beaten path, but there is an Interstate that passes nearby, so it is very accessible by road. Air service really sucks, though. Very expensive, very few flights, and very small planes.
Lawton is hot and dusty in the summer and does get significant snow one out of three years, but it doesn't stay around for long. Tornadoes/severe wx are around in the Spring, but Lawton is a little south of the main Tornado Alley area. The May 3rd, 1999 tornado that killed 46 people in the Moore/OKC area (and just missed my house and Tinker AFB) actually started in the Ft Sill area.
I have few buddies down there that work for Lawton PD. It is a rough town. Mid 2000's they were running the highest murder rate in the state, out pacing OKC and Tulsa. It has calmed down a bit but is still one of those places you watch where you are.
I have lived in Lawton for 30 years. It's a typical Army town. If you are looking for places to live, the west side is more developed but the east side schools are considered better. Elgin to the north of post is popular for a growing number of soldiers and I suspect it has less crime.
CanyonAg nailed the area pretty well, there is a lot to do but you have to go find it. The post and Lawton are pretty intertwined with many Lawtonians having ties to the Army. Lots of good people (think West Texan types).
There are some bad places in town but you simply avoid them. That's common with lots of places.
Strong Aggie club at least right now.
Feel free to PM me with more questions.
CanyonAg nailed the area pretty well, there is a lot to do but you have to go find it. The post and Lawton are pretty intertwined with many Lawtonians having ties to the Army. Lots of good people (think West Texan types).
There are some bad places in town but you simply avoid them. That's common with lots of places.
Strong Aggie club at least right now.
Feel free to PM me with more questions.
Dawg, the most interesting place we ran across (both good/bad) was Medicine Park, by Lake Lawtonka. Ever been? And it's a great view from the top of nearby Mt. Scott.
Medicine Park was supposed to be a big deal years ago but not so much now. Tries hard to be a Salado type town but can't quite ever get it right.
DB, hope you are doing well (DJ '78 former Plowboy then BQ)!
DB, hope you are doing well (DJ '78 former Plowboy then BQ)!
Uh-oh. Another BQ sniffs me out on TexAgs. Howdy DJ. (Or is my memory slipping)
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