Fort Davis Historical Marker.
Fort Davis, Oklahoma, was established as a Confederate headquarters in Indian Territory and named for Jefferson Davis. The post was located on the South bank of the Arkansas River 2.5 miles northeast of present-day Muskogee, Oklahoma. Under Brigadier General Albert Pike, construction began in November 1861. It was meant to help keep Indian Territory loyal to the South and prevent Union invasions into Texas from the North. When complete, the post included 13 wooden buildings, including barracks, commissary, stables, and other outbuildings. Garrisoned by troops from the Five Civilized Tribes, Texas, and Arkansas, it was officially named Cantonment Davis, though it was always more commonly known as Fort Davis.
However, its life was short-lived; after the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, in March 1862, Brigadier General Albert Pike believed his headquarters at Fort Davis was vulnerable to attack. Gathering his scattered forces, he retreated to a bluff on the South bank of the Blue River and started a new post known as Fort McCulloch.
On December 27, 1862, the fort was burned by Union troops led by Colonel William A. Phillips. Though nothing remains of the fort today, the site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2026.
Also See:
Forts & Presidios Across America
See Sources.