Exploring the Depths of History

Towana Spivey, retired historian and archeologist, examines water wells at six well-known nineteenth-century historic sites in southern Oklahoma: Fort Towson, Fort Washita, the Chickasaw White House, the Chickasaw National Capitol, the Kiowa and Comanche Commissary at Fort Sill, and the former home site of Quanah Parker, the famous Comanche leader. Drawing on his hands-on professional experience at each site, Spivey investigates how each water source tied communities together and made a lasting impact on the histories of the Chickasaw Nation and Indian Territory.

Towana Spivey, a retired historian, archeologist and museum curator, has authored numerous historical publications and participated in television documentaries and feature films throughout the world. He has lectured on military and frontier history as well as Native American culture for both national and international organizations and is an award-winning traditional gourd and cedar wood sculptor. A Chickasaw citizen, Spivey has been honored with induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame (2012) and the Comanche Nation's Hall of Patriots (2013). He has also been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2012).