Ft. Reno's origins are slightly different from those of other forts established on the American Frontier. In the wake of the notorious events of the Sand Creek Massacre and Custer's attack on Black Kettle, it became obvious that the management of Native American tribal affairs should be transferred from the army to a civilian authority. Twelve men from the Society of Friends (Quakers) volunteered their services for this purpose, establishing the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency in 1869 at the intersection of the Fort Sill/Arkansas City Stage Route and the North Canadian River. In 1875, however, it became necessary to send troops to protect the Agency, and Ft. Reno was established about a mile away.

Ft. Reno was a major cavalry post until 1898 and an infantry garrison until 1908. In that year the name was changed to Fort Reno Remount Depot, and the primary mission for the next forty years was to provide the highest quality horses and mules for the U.S. Army. Blackjack, the riderless horse at President John F. Kennedy's funeral, was raised at Ft. Reno. Currently the fort is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as their Grazinglands Research Laboratory. The USDA petitioned local citizens to join in a program to restore the remaining buildings at the fort; all funds for doing so are to be raised from private sources.

Heritage Conservation Network is partnering with Historic Fort Reno, Inc. and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office to hold a week-long workshop during which preservation work will begin on the Guardhouse. The Guardhouse is a limestone masonry load-bearing structure with wooden windows. It was built in 1891 and many windows still have the bolts embedded that held the iron bars in place. Around the turn of the century, an addition was added to serve as a post office, and during the 1920s, this building served as the Fort Reno Hospital.

Workshop participants will undertake the repair and restoration of the wood windows. There are approximately twelve windows in various states of deterioration, and participants will learn to disassemble windows, assess the condition, make repairs, and reassemble windows. Work will be led by Simon Herbert, an architectural conservator and preservation carpenter, who has led numerous preservation workshops in the U.S.

As a partner in the workshop, the SHPO is making AIA Continuing Education Credits available to those who are interested.

Cost of the eight-day session is $875. This fee includes lodging; breakfast and lunches; insurance; and workshop materials. Transportation to the workshop is not included and is the responsibility of the participant. Participants will stay at the Best Western just outside of El Reno, the town nearest Ft. Reno. El Reno itself is rich in historic structures. Within the city limits there are currently 11 properties and 2 areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Red Earth Festival will be held June 4-6. Small Town Weekend will be held in El Reno, also June 4-6, featuring a nostalgic car show and 50's concert.

El Reno is 30 miles west of Oklahoma City, which has an international airport.

Temperatures at this time of year have daytime highs in the mid 80's F (29 C). It is important to have protection from the sun, so please bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Wear attire appropriate for the weather that will also provide protection while working. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.

If you need additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net  or call +1 303-444-0128.

If you find this project intriguing, but are unable to attend, you can still participate by supporting conservation work at Ft. Reno and at other project sites with a gift to HCN. Donations are tax deductible and will be used in a variety of ways - to sponsor a participant, to provide materials needed for conservation work, or to provide teaching materials for participants, just to name a few.

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