Lawton Talking Trails an immersive history lesson

Anyone interested in learning more about our city’s history can now interact with our landmarks in a new and exciting way.

The Lawton Public Library announced the launch of the Talking Trails initiative, a unique interactive project bringing Lawton’s history to life, in a press release.

According to the release, 30 historical markers were installed around popular locations in the city, including the Buffalo Soldier statue, Lawton City Hall, McMahon Foundation and the Armory. Each marker features a QR code and phone number, allowing visitors to easily access audio stories about the corresponding site.

The release said the stories can also be enjoyed by visiting the Talking Trails website.

The release said that not all markers are located directly next to buildings or statues. A cluster can be found between McMahon Auditorium and the Museum of the Great Plains.

The release said the project was funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Historical Society and was made possible with the support of local sponsors. The sponsors include: Arvest Bank, Lawton Douglass Alumni Association and the Friends of the Lawton Public Library.

The release said community members and local historians collaborated to create the informative scripts for each marker.

Kristin Herr, Director of the Library, emphasized the project’s aim.

“History isn’t always pretty, but it is important to know our past,” Herr said. “The Talking Trails aim to strengthen connections to Lawton, Oklahoma, and create a greater sense of place by bringing its history to life. We want to spark curiosity about the city, encourage exploration and perhaps even inspire people to stay awhile.”

Visit the Library to pick up a brochure and discover the stories that shaped this city. For more information, contact the Library at (580) 581-3450 or by email at [email protected].