Fort Francis E. Warren, previously known as Fort D. A. Russell, was established in 1867.  Detachments of the 30th Cavalry formed the first garrison, under the command of Col. John D. Stevenson.  The troops stationed there participated in many conflicts during the years, including the Great Sioux Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War in 1998, the Philippines in 1901, and during the Mexican Revolution from 1913 to 1916.

Fort Knox, the Home of the Armor and Cavalry - has served as a U.S. military reservation since 1918. During this time it has played a key role in the development of military tactics, doctrine and equipment, and has been an integral part of the training establishment for both the active Army and Reserve Components.

On January 8, 1869, MG Philip H. Sheridan staked out the site that would become Fort Sill. Sheridan was leading a campaign into Indian Territory to stop hostile tribes from raiding border settlements in Texas and Kansas. His massive winter campaign involved six cavalry regiments accompanied by frontier scouts "Buffalo Bill" Cody, "Wild Bill" Hickock, Ben Clark, and Jack Stillwell. Troops from the 10th Cavalry, a distinguished unit of black "Buffalo Soldiers" who constructed many of the stone buildings still surrounding the Old Post Quadrangle, camped at the new fort.