Based on your knowledge of Oklahoma and US history, was establishing Fort Gibson and Fort Towson a good idea for the United Stat
es and for the Indian Territory? Why or why not? Think about the context of what was going on at the time, as well as anticipating future events in US history. You might need to do some short, additional research on the Internet to help you answer this question fully. Your answer should be 75–100 words and should include your reasoning to justify your argument.
The establishment of Fort Gibson and Fort Towson benefited the United States. For example, the US government established Fort Gibson to maintain peace between the Osage and the Cherokee tribes. Peace between these tribes was a good idea since the United States had plans to move even more Native Americans to this area in the future. And once those relocations started, following the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the forts protected Native American tribes that the government moved to Indian Territory. The government built roads and provided provisions to the people who immigrated there. Fort Towson served to protect the southern border of the United States, and it was also a stop for settlers who were heading into Texas. Both forts helped the area stay safe and stable.
