Cynthia Ann Parker is buried at the Fort Sill Post Cemetery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Her remains were reinterred there in 1910, joining those of her son, Quanah Parker, the renowned Comanche chief.
A Life Reclaimed: Cynthia Ann Parker's Final Resting Place
Cynthia Ann Parker's life was a poignant blend of two cultures, making her burial site a place of significant historical reflection. Born in Illinois in 1827 and captured by Comanche warriors in Texas in 1836, she lived much of her life as a Comanche, becoming "Naduah" and marrying Chief Peta Nocona. Her story embodies the complex and often tragic interactions between Native American tribes and Anglo-American settlers during the 19th century.
From Texas Farmland to Oklahoma's Sacred Ground
Her journey to Fort Sill was not her first burial. After her death in 1871 or 1870, Cynthia Ann Parker was initially interred in Fincastle Cemetery in Henderson County, Texas, on her son Peta's farm.
However, her eldest son, Quanah Parker, who had become a prominent leader and advocate for his people, desired to have his mother buried alongside him. After Quanah's death in 1911, his wish was honored:
- Initial Burial (1870/1871): Fincastle Cemetery, Henderson County, Texas.
- Reinterment (1910): Cynthia Ann Parker's remains were moved at Quanah Parker's request.
- Final Resting Place: She was reburied beside Quanah Parker in the Post Oak Cemetery, which is now part of the Fort Sill Post Cemetery near Lawton, Oklahoma. This location is particularly symbolic, as Fort Sill served as a critical post during the Plains Indian Wars and later as a home for many Comanche people.
Understanding Her Legacy
Cynthia Ann Parker's grave serves as a powerful reminder of her unique and challenging life. Her story continues to be a subject of historical interest, symbolizing themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the frontier experience.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Cynthia Ann Parker (Comanche name: Naduah) |
| Initial Burial | Fincastle Cemetery, Henderson County, Texas (circa 1870/1871) |
| Final Burial Site | Fort Sill Post Cemetery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma |
| Year of Reinterment | 1910 |
| Buried Alongside | Her son, Quanah Parker |
| Significance | Symbol of frontier conflict, cultural assimilation, and personal tragedy/resilience |
Visiting the Gravesite
The Fort Sill Post Cemetery is an active military cemetery, but it is accessible to visitors who wish to pay their respects. The graves of Cynthia Ann Parker and Quanah Parker are notable landmarks within the cemetery, often visited by historians, descendants, and those interested in American frontier history. For information regarding visiting hours and specific directions, it's advisable to check the official Fort Sill website or the National Cemetery Administration for details.
Her grave offers a tangible connection to a pivotal period in American history, representing the complexities of intertwined lives and cultures on the frontier.
