National Register of Historic Places listings in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma facts for kids
Welcome to Alfalfa County, Oklahoma! Did you know that some buildings and places here are super special? They are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national "hall of fame" for buildings, sites, and objects that have played a big part in American history or have amazing architecture.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. It also helps protect it for future generations. In Alfalfa County, there are 12 different places that have earned a spot on this important list. Let's explore some of them and learn about their stories!
Cool Historic Places in Alfalfa County
Cherokee's Important Buildings
Cherokee is the main town in Alfalfa County, and it has several buildings on the National Register.
Alfalfa County Courthouse
The Alfalfa County Courthouse is a very important building. It's where many of the county's official decisions are made. This courthouse was built a long time ago and was added to the list in 1984. It stands proudly on Grand Avenue in Cherokee.
Cherokee Friends Church
The Cherokee Friends Church is a special place of worship. It was recognized for its history in 2004. You can find this church at 120 South Pennsylvania Street in Cherokee. It's a great example of the community's history.
Other Cherokee Landmarks
- Cherokee Armory: This building, located at 2nd and Kansas Streets, was added to the list in 1988. Armories are often used for military training or as community centers.
- Cherokee IOOF Lodge No. 219: The IOOF stands for "Independent Order of Odd Fellows," a friendly society. This lodge, on Grand Avenue and 2nd Street, became historic in 1984.
- Farmers' Federation Elevator: Found on Ohio Avenue and 4th Street, this elevator was important for local farmers. It joined the list in 1983.
- Hotel Cherokee: Located at 117 West Main Street, this old hotel was a key spot for travelers and locals. It was added to the list in 1998.
Historic Spots in Other Towns
Alfalfa County has other towns with their own unique historic places.
Aline IOOF Lodge No. 263
The town of Aline has its own IOOF Lodge. This building, located off Main and Broadway, was recognized as historic in 1984. It shows the importance of community groups in the past.
Carmen's Historic Buildings
The town of Carmen also has a couple of historic IOOF buildings.
- Carmen IOOF Home: This home, just north of Carmen, was added to the list in 1984. It likely served as a place for members of the Odd Fellows.
- Carmen IOOF Lodge No. 84: Located at Main and 4th Street, this lodge also became historic in 1984.
Farmers' Exchange Elevator (Goltry)
In the town of Goltry, the Farmers' Exchange Elevator on State Highway 45 is a historic site. Grain elevators are tall buildings used to store grain. This one was important for the farming community and was listed in 1983.
Ingersoll Tile Elevator (Ingersoll)
Another important grain elevator is the Ingersoll Tile Elevator, located off U.S. Route 64 in Ingersoll. This unique elevator, made of tile, was also added to the list in 1983. It shows how important farming was to the area's history.
Sod House (Cleo Springs)
One of the most unique historic places is the Sod House near Cleo Springs. This house, about 4 miles north of Cleo Springs, was built from sod (chunks of earth held together by grass roots). Sod houses were common for early settlers on the prairies where wood was scarce. This one was listed way back in 1970!
Images for kids
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The Alfalfa County Courthouse in Cherokee
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The Cherokee Friends Church
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The Ingersoll Tile Grain Elevator
