Tickets on Sale for Annual Doaksville Candlelight Tours in Fort Towson
September 8, 2026
Contact: David C. Reed
Fort Towson Historic Site, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-873-2634
[email protected]
okhistory.org/forttowson
FORT TOWSON, Okla. — The 2026 Doaksville Candlelight Tours will take place on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, at the Doaksville Archaeological Site in Fort Towson. This year’s theme will primarily focus on the story of Dr. Eli S. Penwell in 1864. The walking tour moves through lantern-lit vignette scenes with several interpreters providing historical context along the way.
During the American Civil War, Texas joined with 10 other states to form the Confederacy. Not everyone in Texas sided with the Confederacy. During 1862 in the north Texas area, there were executions of those accused of being pro-Union. These accusations would continue.
Dr. Eli S. Penwell was a northerner who had made his home in Bonham, Texas, by 1850. By 1864, he found himself in a group of men attempting to flee to Union-held Fort Smith, Arkansas. The men were overtaken by Confederate troops, with some of the former reportedly being killed. Penwell and others were taken to the area of Fort Towson and Doaksville to await trial. This year’s tours will focus on why Penwell and his companions fled Texas, other historical figures involved with the incident and what happened to Penwell.
Admission is $12 per person, with guests six and under admitted for free. The first tour leaves each night at 7 p.m., and groups will depart every 30 minutes until the final tour starts at 9:30 p.m. Each tour will last between 45 minutes and one hour. This event is first come, first served, with advanced ticket holders seated first. Call 580-873-2634 or email [email protected] to make your reservation. Attendees are advised that the terrain is rugged.
For more information, call 580-873-2634 or email [email protected]. The Fort Towson Historic Site is located at 896 N. 4375 Rd. in Fort Towson.
Fort Towson Historic Site is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Fort Towson Historic Site are available upon request.
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