Near Freedom in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Cowboy Cemetery
Photographed by Carleta Latham, May 17, 2008
1. Cowboy Cemetery Marker
On September 12, 1878, the bodies of Reuben Bristow and Fred Clark were found near here. It was believed they had been killed by Northern Cheyenne Indians led by Chief Dull Knife. Bristow and Clark were cowboys hauling salt for Comanche pool cattle when Dull Knife fled harsh conditions on the reservation near Canton. The salt haulers, probably killed for their mule team, inadvertently crossed the path of the Cheyenne during their desparate flight home to the Northern Plains.
Erected by Buddy Sams of Alva Monument and David Edwards of Southern Granite Co.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1878.
Location. 36° 57.995′ N, 99° 8.979′ W. Marker is near Freedom, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It is on D0032 Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Freedom OK 73842, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Battle of Turkey Springs, I.T. (approx. 11.4 miles away).
More about this marker. The Cowboy Cemetery is about 12 miles north of Camp Houston. You drive north of U.S. 64 from Camp Houston (north of Freedom, OK) until the pavement ends and you get to a Y. You will see an arrow pointing left that says Cowboy Cemetery. You will drive west along a winding dirt road for a few miles. The Cowboy Cemetery is on the right side of the road.
Also see . . . Cowboy Cemetery Information. (Submitted on May 20, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by Carleta Latham, circa May 17, 2008
2. Cowboy Cemetery Marker
The original Cowboy Cemetery Marker erected by rancher John Watters in the 1940s. It reads, "Cowboys and salt hall killed by indias."
Photographed by Carleta Latham, May 17, 2008
3. Cowboy Cemetery Marker
Close up of the Cemetery Gate art.
Photographed by K Latham, May 17, 2008
4. Cowboy Cemetery Marker
Photographed by K Latham, May 17, 2008
5. Follow the sign to the Cowboy Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,476 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 20, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
