Watts in Adair County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Wayne
Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021
1. Fort Wayne Marker
Established in 1838 by Lt. Col. R.B. Mason, 1st Dragoons, U.S. Army, at request of Arkansas citizens fearing Cherokees who were being removed from southeastern U.S. Named in honor of Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne, the fort was originally located in NE corner of present-day Watts on a hill, overlooking Illinois River. Considered poor location because many soldiers died there including Capt. John Stuart, 7th infantry. In 1839, fort was abandoned and moved to Beatie's Prairie west of Maysville, Arkansas. That site abandoned in 1842 and troops moved north to establish Fort Scott, Kansas.
Erected 1995 by Oklahoma Historical Society. (Marker Number 65.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Oklahoma Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 36° 6.33′ N, 94° 34.476′ W. Marker is in Watts, Oklahoma, in Adair County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 59 and Main Street, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 59. The marker is located at the intersection of Main Street and Hwy 59. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watts OK 74964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Cherokee Nation and in Northeast Oklahoma Green Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Ozarks, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured
this page online
Also see . . . Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne.
Anthony Wayne (January 1, 1745 December 15, 1796) was an American soldier, officer and statesman of Irish descent. He adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him promotion to brigadier general and the nickname "Mad Anthony". He later served as the Senior Officer of the Army on the Ohio Country frontier and led the Legion of the United States. Source: Wikipedia(Submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, October 10, 2009
2. Fort Wayne Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021
3. The Fort Wayne Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021
4. The view of the Fort Wayne Marker along Highway 59.
Public Domain - James Sharpless , circa 1795
5. Gen. Anthony Wayne
Photographed by Marc Hayot, June 28, 2026
6. Fort Wayne Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 4,248 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on October 31, 2019, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 6. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
