Fort Gibson in Muskogee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Telephones in 1886

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2025

1. Telephones in 1886 Marker

Inscription. The first commercial long distance telephone line in Oklahoma was placed in service here in 1886. It connected Fort Gibson with Tahlequah and Muskogee. The line was built by a company formed by a group of Cherokees, namely L.B. Bell, J.S. Stapler, J.B. Stapler, C.W. Turner, John S. Scott and E.D. Hicks.
This monument erected as a public service by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Erected by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 35° 48.22′ N, 95° 15.421′ W. Marker is in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. It is on East Ash Avenue just east of Lee Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Gibson OK 74434, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation

and specifically in the Cherokee Nation.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Gibson (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson Stockade Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Adjutant's Office (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Occupied by United States Army (about 500 feet away); Seventh United States Infantry (approx. 0.4 miles away); Montfort Stokes

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.4 miles away); History of the Church Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Gibson (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Gibson.

Photographed by Ruth Wilson Wilcox, June 22, 2017

2. Telephones in 1886 Marker

Photographed by Ruth Wilson Wilcox, June 22, 2017

3. Telephones in 1886 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2019. This page has been viewed 691 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 17, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2019.