Bohanan Cabin History

The cabin was constructed between 1865 and 1870 by Edward Bohanan on what is now the north edge of Durant. Bohanan was a civilian employee at Fort Washita prior to the Civil War.

During the war Bohanan was an officer in Co. A, First Chickasaw Calvary Battalion, C.S.A. and served in General Douglas H. Cooper's Indian Brigade, District of Indian Territory.

He was part Choctaw and reportedly came to Indian Territory over the Trail of Tears.

Bohanan built the cabin for his daughter Sophinia (born 1851) who married Horatio Veach, a Union soldier during the war.

They had 12 children, all born in this cabin and many of their descendants are here today. Bohanan's wife was Lucy Robinson of the Hyah-pah-tuk-kola group. Bohanan also had three sons (that we know of) Lon, David, and Ed. All served as deputy U.S. Marshal's in Blue County of Indian Territory which is now Bryan County, Oklahoma. The three men met violent deaths while serving as law men.

Lon was shot at the Durant Wagon Yard, David was killed near Coalgate while trying to arrest an escaped convict and Ed was ambushed west of Durant.

Horatio Veach, born in 1842 in Ohio, died in 1927. Lucy died around 1900 and Edward died around 1870.

By 1890, the Veach's had almost enclosed the cabin into a larger frame house.

In 1965, owners of the property, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Connor tore down the old house and found the cabin intact.

In November of 1991, the Fort Washita Volunteer Association moved the cabin from Durant to Fort Washita to be used for Living History Demonstrations.

History of the Bohanan Cabin .....................................................................
                                                                    Representative James Dunegan

Introduction of Special Guests ................................................ Larry Marcy
                                                                                               Fort Washita

Dedication ................................................................................... John Hill                                                                              Director for Historic Site
                                                                       Oklahoma Historical Society

Salute ................................................................ Fort Washita Rendezvous
                                                                                          Muzzle Loaders
                                                                                                John Shores
                                                                                                  Booshway

Beginning of The Restoration ..................................... Mona Mae Waymire
                                            President, Fort Washita Volunteer Association