Here are some notes from the coordinator:
The Fall Dig is fast approaching! I know I’m looking forward to getting back out in the field, and I hope many of you are as well! I wanted to warn everyone about the closure of State Highway 199 between Madill and Fort Washita. The floods of May washed out part of the bridge over the Washita, which means the most direct route to the site from I-35 is currently closed. So, you will have to take an alternate route to get out to the site from I-35. I have made a Google Map showing this route and I have written step-by-step directions below. I hope this helps everyone to find the dig more easily!
Here is a link to the Google Map:
And here are the written directions:
To get to Fort Washita:
1. Take I-35 SB to Exit 29, US Hwy 70 Eastbound
2. Take 70 through various towns, including Madill. There will be signs for Fort Washita in Madill, but DO NOT FOLLOW THEM!!! You’ll wind up having to turn around and backtrack to Madill due to the bridge being out!!
3. Continue on U.S. 70 E until you cross Lake Texoma on the long Roosevelt Bridge. On the east side of the lake is the community of Mead. Just under 1.5 miles past Mead, Silo Road will be on your left. You will see a water tower in front of you. If you pass it, you’ve gone too far. There is an E-Z Mart gas station on the right side of the Hwy, Silo Road on the left. Turn left onto Silo Road.
4. Continue north on Silo Road. About 3 miles from the turn, the road does a 90 bend to the left then runs west for a bit and does another 90 degree bend to the right to head back north. Stay with the road through those bends.
5. After about 5 miles on Silo Road, you go through the community of Silo, then in a mile or so the road intersects SH-78. There is an abandoned store on the right corner of the intersection and you’ll see a sign for Brown Farms right in front of you. Turn left onto Hwy 78.
6. After about a mile, SH-199 is on your left. There is a sign for Fort Washita. There may be a road closed barrier at the intersection, but just drive around it, as you will turn off before the road is closed.
7. Continue on SH 199 for several miles. You’ll drop down into some bottomlands and then after you come up, Fort Washita will be on your right at the top of a big rise. You can’t miss it. There are some reconstructed stockades and a big gate and sign. Once in the park, follow the signs that say OAS to sign in.
Thanks!
