Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-FTT-2102 - Visitor Experience - Established in the 1820s, Doaksville became the largest town in Indian Territory by 1850 and the commercial center of the Choctaw Nation. Stand Waite surrendered near Doaksville, the last Confederate general to do so. Today, Doaksville is an important archaeological resource. This project includes replacing the entry gate, adding a bus turn-about, and improving trails and interpretive signage to increase the accessibility. Additional work includes replacing a vandalized crypt lid and repairing vandalized stonework. The improvements to the gate and trails will make the site more accessible to the public and increase visitation. The increased visitation will help protect the site from future vandalism.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. The main economic drivers in Choctaw County are agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, transportation/warehousing, and tourism. The county population s 14, 204. The small community of Fort Towson has a population of 528. The median income if $34,489, and 23% of the population live in poverty. Unemployment is 4.1%. 63% of the population identifies as white; 18% American Indian; 10% Black/American Indian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino. 82% of the adult population has a high school diploma, and 13% have earned a bachelor degree or higher.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and tracking earned income at the site.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma