Near Wheeless in Cimarron County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Nichols
7 mi S.W.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 2024
1. Fort Nichols Marker
Erected 1963 by Oklahoma Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.
Location. 36° 47.198′ N, 102° 48.307′ W. Marker is near Wheeless, Oklahoma, in Cimarron County. It is on 325 Highway 3½ miles north of E0190 Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located 0.5 miles south of the south entrance road into Black Mesa State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boise City OK 73933, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Oklahoma Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, on the Southern Plains, on the High Plains, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Dust Bowl, the Louisiana Purchase, the Republic of Texas, and Cimmaron Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Santa Fe Trail (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Santa Fe Trail (a few steps from this marker); Highest Point in Oklahoma
this page online
Regarding Fort Nichols. Fort Nichols was built by New Mexico and California volunteers under the command of Col. Kit Carson to protect travelers on the Cimarron Cut-Off of the Santa Fe Trail from raids by the Kiowa and Comanche Indians. The fort was established in 1865 and abandoned the next year; it was the only manmade structure along the Cimarron Cut-Off while it was an active route. At its height, it included 25 buildings made of local sandstone, adobe and sod; but now only ruins remain. The site is located on private property and is not accessible to the public.
Additional keywords. Camp Nichols
Photographed by Christopher Suttle, circa March 20, 2008
2. Fort Nichols
Located near Wheeless, OK on the Santa Fe Trail
Photographed by USGS
3. Fort Nichols
The photo shows the outline and ruins of what remains of Fort Nichols
Photographed by Christopher Suttle, circa March 20, 2008
4. Santa Fe Trail sign
This sign is next to the Fort Nichols historical marker. The trail's wagon ruts are located on the ground just behind the sign.
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, May 7, 2023
5. Fort Nichols Marker Area
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2011, by Christopher Suttle of Norman, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 2,096 times since then and 121 times this year. Last updated on January 18, 2011, by Christopher Suttle of Norman, Oklahoma. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 3, 2011. 5. submitted on May 16, 2024, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
