Signal Mountain Blockhouse

Signal Mountain Blockhouse is a small stone building standing at the summit of Signal Mountain at Fort Sill. It was constructed from limestone quarried in the Wichita Mountains and served as a fortified observation post.

Built in 1871 following the Medicine Lodge Treaty, it served the military as an observation post on the frontier. The blockhouse represented a shift in how forces monitored and controlled the Southern Plains region.

The structure reflects the interactions between the military garrison and the communities that inhabited the surrounding region. Visitors can sense how this outpost functioned within a wider network of frontier relationships.

The blockhouse sits atop the summit and can be reached by foot, though the climb requires some effort. The best time to visit is during clear weather when views of the surrounding area are unobstructed.

The building was part of an optical communication network using flags, mirrors, and signal lamps to transmit messages. Operators here maintained line-of-sight exchanges with other military posts in the region.

Location: Comanche County

Inception: 1871

Part of: Fort Sill

GPS coordinates: 34.67433,-98.49058

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:10