National Register of Historic Places listings in Rogers County, Oklahoma facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most important buildings or places in your area? In Rogers County, Oklahoma, there are many cool spots that are officially recognized for their history! These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special list kept by the United States government.
When a building or area is on this list, it means it's super important to the history, architecture, or culture of the country. It helps protect these places so future generations, like you, can learn from them. Rogers County has 18 different properties and districts that have made it onto this special list. Let's explore some of them!
Contents
Cool Historic Places in Rogers County
Claremore's Historic Gems
Claremore is a city with many interesting old buildings. Here are some of the ones on the National Register:
The Belvidere
The Belvidere is a grand building located at 109 North Chickasaw Avenue. It was added to the list on March 24, 1982. This building has a unique design and tells a story about how people lived in Claremore a long time ago.
Claremore Auto Dealership
Found at 625 West Will Rogers Boulevard, this old auto dealership was listed on February 23, 1995. Imagine cars from the past being sold right here! It shows how transportation and businesses have changed over the years.
Downtown Claremore Historic District
This isn't just one building; it's a whole area! The Downtown Claremore Historic District includes many buildings along West Will Rogers Boulevard. It was added to the list on September 12, 2016. This district helps preserve the look and feel of old downtown Claremore.
Rogers State University (Eastern University Preparatory School)
The campus of Rogers State University on College Hill has a long history. The Eastern University Preparatory School part of it was recognized on February 19, 1982. It's cool to think that students have been learning in these historic buildings for many years!
Mendenhall's Bath House
Located at 601 East 7th Street, Mendenhall's Bath House was added to the list on March 23, 1983. Bathhouses were popular places where people would go for relaxation and health treatments, especially when mineral springs were believed to have healing powers.
Maurice Meyer Barracks
Also on College Hill in Claremore, the Maurice Meyer Barracks was listed on March 1, 1982. Barracks are usually buildings where soldiers or students live. This one is part of the historic campus area.
Will Rogers Hotel
The Will Rogers Hotel at 524 West Will Rogers Boulevard became a historic place on December 29, 1994. Hotels like this were once grand places for travelers and important events. It's named after the famous Oklahoman, Will Rogers.
Chelsea's Old Buildings and Bridges
The town of Chelsea also has some interesting historic spots:
Chelsea Motel
The Chelsea Motel, located at the junction of 1st Street and State Highway 66, was listed on May 27, 2004. Motels along old highways like Route 66 were very important for travelers during the early days of car travel.
Hogue House
The Hogue House at 1001 South Olive Street was added to the list on December 17, 1982. Old homes like this give us a peek into the past and how families lived in Chelsea.
Pryor Creek Bridge
This bridge carries 1st Street over Pryor Creek, southwest of its junction with State Highway 66. It was listed on September 6, 2006. Historic bridges are important because they show how engineers built structures long ago and how transportation routes developed.
Oologah's Special Spots
Oologah is famous for being the birthplace of Will Rogers. It also has other historic places:
I.W.W. Beck Building
The I.W.W. Beck Building at 146 West Cooweescoowee Avenue was added to the list on September 10, 1999. This building likely played a role in the town's early business and community life.
Oologah Bank
The Oologah Bank at 105 South Maple Street was listed on May 10, 1982. Banks are often central to a town's history, showing its economic growth and daily life.
Oologah Pump
The Oologah Pump, found at Maple and Cooweescoowee Streets, was recognized on December 17, 1982. This might have been an important water source or a landmark in the early days of Oologah.
Will Rogers Birthplace (Dog Iron Ranch)
About 4 miles northeast of Oologah is the Dog Iron Ranch, the birthplace of the famous humorist and entertainer Will Rogers. It was one of the first places in Rogers County to be listed on the National Register, on September 29, 1970. It's a very special place for Oklahoma history!
Foyil's Unique Landmarks
Foyil has some truly unique and artistic historic sites:
Foyil Filling Station
The Foyil Filling Station at 12243 South Andy Payne Boulevard was listed on December 8, 2015. Old filling stations are cool reminders of the early days of road trips and the growth of cars.
Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park
This amazing park, located about 3.5 miles east of the old U.S. Route 66 on State Highway 28A, was added to the list on March 30, 1999. It features giant, colorful totem poles carved by a man named Ed Galloway. It's a fantastic example of folk art!
Other Historic Places
Hanes Home (Sageeyah)
The Hanes Home, located off State Highway 88 in Sageeyah, was listed on July 12, 1982. This historic home adds to the rich history of the smaller communities in Rogers County.
Verdigris Club Lodge (Catoosa)
The Verdigris Club Lodge at 27795 South Skelly Drive in Catoosa was added to the list on September 2, 2003. Lodges like this were often used for social gatherings or as retreats, showing a different side of community life.
These historic places in Rogers County help us understand the past and appreciate the unique stories of Oklahoma!
