National Register of Historic Places listings in Atoka County, Oklahoma facts for kids

Location of Atoka County in Oklahoma

This article is about the cool old places in Atoka County, Oklahoma that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to history. These places are worth protecting for future generations.

You can even see where many of these places are on a map, if their exact locations are shared. In Atoka County, there are 16 places currently on this special list. Four other places used to be on the list but were later removed.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places. It is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts. This program helps to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources.

When a place is added to the National Register, it means it is important. It could be important for its history, its architecture, or even what it tells us about people who lived long ago. Being on the list helps protect these places. It also helps people learn about the past.

Historic Places You Can Still See Today

Atoka County has many interesting places that are part of the National Register. These sites tell stories about the county's past. They include old buildings, important battlefields, and even the site of Oklahoma's first oil well.

Buildings in Atoka

Many historic buildings are found in the city of Atoka, Oklahoma. These structures show how the town grew and changed over time.

Atoka Armory

The Atoka Armory is an old military building. It was built in 1988 and is located at Ohio and C Streets. Armories were often used for training soldiers. They also served as community centers.

First Methodist Church Building

The First Methodist Church Building is a beautiful old church. It stands at 105 West 1st Street. This church was added to the list in 1980. It shows the early religious life of the community.

Indian Citizen Building

The Indian Citizen Building is another important structure. It is located at 115 North Ohio Avenue. This building was once home to a newspaper. It played a role in sharing news and information in the area.

Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple is at 301 Court Street. It was listed in 1980. Masonic Temples are meeting places for a fraternal organization called the Masons.

Old Atoka State Bank

The Old Atoka State Bank building is found at the corner of Court and Ohio Streets. This bank building was added to the list in 1980. It reminds us of the early economy of Atoka.

Pioneer Club

The Pioneer Club is located at 1st and Mississippi Streets. It was listed in 1980. This building likely served as a social gathering place for early residents.

Joe Ralls House

The Joe Ralls House is a historic home. It is at 303 South Pennsylvania Street. This house was added to the list in 1980. It gives us a look at how people lived long ago.

Other Important Sites in Atoka County

Beyond the city of Atoka, there are other significant places. These sites are spread across the county.

Isaac Billy Homestead and Family Cemetery

The Isaac Billy Homestead and Family Cemetery is northeast of Daisy, Oklahoma. This site includes an old home and a family burial ground. It tells us about early settlers and their families.

Boggy Depot Site

The Boggy Depot Site is about 14 miles southwest of Atoka. This area was once a very important trading post and town. It played a big role in the history of the Choctaw Nation.

First Oil Well in Oklahoma

The First Oil Well in Oklahoma is a very important historical site. It is located about 4 miles northeast of Wapanucka, Oklahoma. This well was drilled in 1859. It was the first oil well in what would become Oklahoma. This marked the start of the oil industry in the state.

Capt. Charles LeFlore House

The Capt. Charles LeFlore House is north of Limestone Gap, Oklahoma. It is near U.S. Route 69. Captain Charles LeFlore was an important figure in the Choctaw Nation. His house is a reminder of his influence.

Middle Boggy Battlefield Site and Confederate Cemetery

The Middle Boggy Battlefield Site and Confederate Cemetery is just north of Atoka. This site was where a battle took place during the American Civil War. It includes a cemetery for soldiers who died there.

Waddell's Station Site

The Waddell's Station Site is about 3 miles southwest of Wesley, Oklahoma. This was likely a stop along an old travel route. It shows how people traveled and communicated in the past.

Places No Longer on the List

Some places that were once on the National Register have been removed. This can happen for different reasons. Sometimes a building might be torn down. Other times, it might lose its historical importance.

Four places in Atoka County were once listed but are no longer on the National Register:

• Atoka Community Building
• Old Atoka County Courthouse
• Captain James S. Standley House
• Zweigel Hardware Store Building

These places were all located in Atoka. They were removed from the list in 2005. Even though they are no longer on the official list, they were still part of Atoka County's history.