Published: October 27, 2009 07:44 am      

Historian making visit to Freedom Museum

Mark Williams is a historian who focuses on a different type of Native American history -- the kind that isn’t in the history books.

On Sunday, he will visit the Freedom Museum to present a talk about the Battle of Adobe Walls, a little known standoff between the Comanche Indians and U.S. soldiers.

The Battle of Adobe Walls took place in 1886 in Hutchinson County, Texas, he said, noting the location is not far from Fort Supply.

“It was the last major battle on the Plains and isn’t covered in history books,” he said. Soon after that battle, “the Comanches were rounded up and sent to Fort Sill.”

Williams researches history for the Quahadra Comanche tribe and is a member of the Texas Historical Society.

He specializes in the untold history of Northwest Oklahoma and nearby surrounding area.

In addition to the Battle of Adobe Walls, Williams will address the history of Apache, Comanche and Kiowa lands.

He also will share stories about Bat Masterson, Andy Johnson, Billy Dixon, Yellow Fish and Quanah Parker.

“Mark is somebody we’ve worked with on several different subjects," said Freedom Museum director Sandra Wimmer, noting because “our museum is not that well known, we’re trying to get more programs started.”

Also at the museum on Sunday will be an ongoing exhibit of Western art by area artist Victor Burdick, she said. Gifts created by Burdick will be available as well.

The program presented by Williams is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. However, visitors may arrive at 1:30 p.m., when the museum’s doors open, Wimmer said.

The event is free and refreshments will be served.