Home

On May 19th 1836, a band of Indians came to the fort asking for beef, water and a place to camp. When greeted by the Parkers the Indians attacked the fort taking five captives. The most famous of these captives was 9 year old Cynthia Ann Parker.  She was adopted by a Comanche family, grew up and married Chief Peta Nocona. She later became the mother of the one of the last great Warrior Chief of Comanches, Quanah Parker.

In the winter of 1860 Cynthia Ann was recaptured along with her daughter by the Texas Rangers. Cynthia Ann was returned to her Anglo family but never quite adjusted to Anglo society. In 1863 her daughter died Cynthia Ann died a few years later.

Quanah continued fighting the Anglos till 1875.  He then helped to lead the Comanche Nation to accept the Anglo way of life. He became a judge, a businessman and became friends with three Presidents of the United States. He took his mother’s last name and had her body moved to Oklahoma in the family cemetery. Years later Quanah and his mother’s remains were moved to Fort Sill.

Step back in time and try to recapture the atmosphere of that fateful spring morning in 1836 as you explore the cabins and climb the blockhouses of Old Fort Parker.