Fort Reno, located to the west of El Reno, Oklahoma, was named for Maj Gen Jesse Lee Reno who died in service during the Civil War. The town was originally called Reno, but there was another Reno, and it confused the postal employees, so this town was renamed El Reno to differentiate the two towns.
Engravings on the marble pedestal
front
Major General Jesse Lee Reno
1823-1862
El Reno namesake born in Wheeling, West Virginia. Reno was a 1846 graduate of West Point Military and thrice decorated hero of 1846 war with Mexico. He was promoted to Brigadier General at the start of the Civil War. Reno is credited with saving the nation's capitol at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run prior to being promoted to Major General in July 1862. Reno was killed in action on Sept. 14, 1862 at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown. D.C.