National Register of Historic Places listings in Ottawa County, Oklahoma facts for kids
Welcome to Ottawa County, Oklahoma! This area is home to many special places that are officially recognized for their history and importance. These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is like a national scrapbook of important buildings, objects, and areas across the United States. It helps protect and celebrate places that tell us about the past.
In Ottawa County, there are 18 different properties and districts that have earned a spot on this important list. Each one has a unique story to tell about the people and events that shaped this part of Oklahoma. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites!
Historic Places in Ottawa County
Cool Buildings and Homes
Ottawa County has many interesting buildings that show us how people lived and worked long ago. These places are like time capsules, preserving history for us to learn from.
Coleman Theatre: A Grand Old Movie Palace
The Coleman Theatre in Miami is a beautiful old movie theater built in the 1920s. Imagine going to the movies here almost 100 years ago! It's known for its fancy Spanish Colonial Revival style and its amazing pipe organ. This theater still hosts shows and events today, bringing history to life.
George L. Coleman Sr. House: A Family Home
Also in Miami, the George L. Coleman Sr. House was the home of the person who built the Coleman Theatre. It's a great example of the homes built in the early 1900s. It helps us understand the lives of important people in the community's past.
Commerce Building/Hancock Building: Downtown History
The Commerce Building, also known as the Hancock Building, is another historic spot in downtown Miami. Buildings like this were once busy centers for businesses and shops. They show how towns grew and developed over time.
Dobson Family House: A Community Legacy
The Dobson Family House in Miami tells the story of a family important to the area. Many historic homes are recognized because they belonged to people who made a big difference in their town or region.
Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore Producers Association Office: Mining History
In Picher, you'll find the office of the Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore Producers Association. This building is a reminder of the time when mining was a huge industry in this part of Oklahoma. It shows how important zinc and lead were to the local economy.
Historic Roads and Bridges
Some parts of our transportation history are also preserved, like old roads and bridges that helped people travel long ago.
Horse Creek Bridge: A Route 66 Landmark
Near Afton, the Horse Creek Bridge is a piece of the famous U.S. Route 66. This old bridge was part of the "Mother Road," which was a very important highway for travelers across America. It's a great example of early road building.
Miami Original Nine-Foot Section of Route 66 Roadbed: A Unique Road
Another part of Route 66 in Miami is special because it's an original nine-foot wide section of the roadbed. This shows how roads were built in the past, often much narrower than the highways we use today. It's a unique look at early American travel.
Places of Worship and Community
Churches and community centers often hold deep historical meaning for local residents.
Modoc Mission Church and Cemetery: A Spiritual Place
Southeast of Miami, the Modoc Mission Church and Cemetery is a significant site for the Modoc people. It represents their history and spiritual life in the area. Places like this help us understand the cultural heritage of different groups.
Schools and Education
Schools are important parts of a community's history, showing how education developed over time.
Peoria Indian School: Learning from the Past
East of Miami, the Peoria Indian School is a historic site related to the Peoria Tribe. It tells the story of education for Native American children in the past. These schools played a big role in the lives of many young people.
Other Interesting Sites
Some historic places are unique and don't fit into simple categories, but they are just as important.
Cities Service Station: An Old Gas Station
At the junction of 1st Street and Central Avenue in Afton, you can find the Cities Service Station. This old gas station is a cool example of early roadside architecture. It shows how cars and travel changed America.
Miami Marathon Oil Company Service Station: Another Roadside Gem
Another historic gas station, the Miami Marathon Oil Company Service Station, is located on South Main Street in Miami. These old stations often had unique designs and were important stops for travelers on early highways.
Narcissa D-X Gas Station: A Piece of Highway History
The Narcissa D-X Gas Station, south of Miami, is another example of a historic gas station. These buildings are like monuments to the early days of car travel and the growth of America's road network.
Riviera Courts-Motel: A Place to Stay
The Riviera Courts-Motel in Miami is a historic motel. Motels were very popular when car travel became common, offering places for families to stay on their road trips. This motel shows the style of travel accommodations from a bygone era.
John Patrick McNaughton Barn: Farm Life History
North of Quapaw, the John Patrick McNaughton Barn is a historic barn. Barns are important parts of agricultural history, showing how farming was done in the past and the structures needed for it.
Peoria Tribal Cemetery: Resting Place of Ancestors
East of Miami, the Peoria Tribal Cemetery is a sacred and historic burial ground for the Peoria Tribe. Cemeteries are important places for remembering ancestors and understanding the history of a community.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods of History
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings that form a "historic district."
Miami Downtown Historic District: A Walk Through Time
The Miami Downtown Historic District includes many buildings in the heart of Miami. Walking through this area is like stepping back in time, as many of the buildings have kept their original look and feel from decades ago. It shows how a whole downtown area developed.
Places That Are No Longer There
Sometimes, a place is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it might not exist anymore. This happened with the Ottawa County Courthouse.
Ottawa County Courthouse: A Lost Landmark
The Ottawa County Courthouse in Miami was once a historic building. However, it was torn down in 2008. Even though it's gone, it was still recognized for its historical importance while it stood.
These are just some of the amazing historic places you can find in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Each one helps us connect with the past and understand the rich history of this area.
Images for kids
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Inside the beautiful Coleman Theatre in Miami.
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The historic George L. Coleman Sr. House.
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The Commerce Building in downtown Miami.
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The Dobson Family House.
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The historic Horse Creek Bridge on old Route 66.
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The John Patrick McNaughton Barn.
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A view of the Miami Downtown Historic District.
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The old Miami Marathon Oil Company Service Station.
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A unique section of the original Route 66 roadbed.
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The Modoc Mission Church.
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The historic Peoria Indian School.
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The Peoria Tribal Cemetery.
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The Riviera Courts-Motel.
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The Tri-State Zinc and Lead Ore Producers Association Office.
