Buried Army Payroll at Fort Sill — Comanche County

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Buried Army Payroll at Fort Sill — Comanche County

Lost Treasure OK • Comanche County County
Description
June 1892 legend of a nearly $100,000 Fort Sill payroll buried about ten paces from the old trading-post well after a Red River stage robbery — the surviving bandit died in a Texas prison without recovering the coins.
Historical Notes
A Wichita Falls–Fort Sill stage carrying gold and silver to pay soldiers was ambushed near the Red River after its military escort was withdrawn. The wounded outlaw buried six saddlebags near the trading-post well at Fort Sill, was convicted, and spent thirty-three years in Huntsville prison. Partner G.W. Cottrell searched in 1937 and 1940; the army dug fifteen holes in 1964 south of the maintenance building. Fill dirt and rebuilt post landmarks frustrated every attempt. Fort Sill remains an active army installation. Coordinates mark Fort Sill in Comanche County near Lawton.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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