Lawton

Lawton is a city at the base of the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma, covering flat plains and rolling hills at an elevation of 339 meters (1,112 feet). Streets follow a grid through residential areas while the center concentrates shops and public buildings along main roads.

The city emerged in 1901 through a land auction after the federal government reached agreements with Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes to settle their former reservation territories. Fort Sill was already established in 1869 and shaped the development of the region as a military post.

The Museum of the Great Plains presents collections on southern Plains history with displays on pre-European cultures and pioneer settlement. Geronimo spent his final years at Fort Sill and was buried there, and his grave still draws visitors today.

The Lawton Area Transit System connects major points across the city with regular bus routes, and Interstate 44 provides direct access to Oklahoma City. The Wichita Mountains lie to the northwest and are easily reached by local roads.

Fort Sill continues to house the United States Army Field Artillery School and influences the local economy through military presence. The base also preserves historic buildings from the Indian Wars era on its grounds.

Location: Comanche County

Inception: 1901

Elevation above the sea: 339 m

Shares border with: Fort Sill

Website: https://lawtonok.gov

GPS coordinates: 34.60869,-98.39033

Latest update: December 13, 2025 01:55