Alfalfa County Courthouse

Grand Ave., Cherokee, OK
The Alfalfa County Courthouse is one of the focal points of the town of Cherokee Constructed in 1921, it has since that time served the county as the center of local government and as an architectural landmark. The building is in excellent condition and is a fine example of the public buildings designed by the firm of Tonini and Bramblet. Although not as grandiose as some of their other designs, the Alfalfa County Courthouse exhibits clean, simple lines and attractive Neo-classical details.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first Black woman to attend law school in Oklahoma. In 1946, she applied to the University of Oklahoma College of Law but was denied admission because of her race. She sued the university, and her case eventually went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. She went on to graduate from law school in 1951 and became a prominent civil rights attorney.
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kaw, who thrived in the region for centuries. In the 1800s, European settlers began arriving, drawn by the promise of land and fertile soil.

Alfalfa County was officially established in 1907, just a year after Oklahoma became a state. The county was named after the perennial forage crop, alfalfa, which is widely grown in the area. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with farmers using the fertile soil to grow crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton.

One significant event in Alfalfa County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 1900s. Oil wells were drilled, leading to a boom in the county's economy and population. The oil industry brought prosperity and development to the area, with the town of Carmen becoming a major oil hub.

However, like many other regions, Alfalfa County also faced challenges during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The economy suffered, and many farmers were forced to abandon their land. The Dust Bowl further exacerbated the situation, with severe droughts and dust storms devastating the agricultural sector.

Despite these challenges, Alfalfa County has persevered and continues to thrive. Today, the county remains primarily agricultural, with a focus on crop production and livestock farming. Many historic sites, such as the Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva, preserve the county's rich history for future generations to appreciate.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Alfalfa County is established, named after the crop grown in the area.
  • 1899 - The town of Cherokee is established as the county seat.
  • 1904 - The railroad reaches Alfalfa County, sparking growth and development.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression hits Alfalfa County, leading to a decline in population and economic hardships.
  • 1933 - The Dust Bowl affects Alfalfa County, causing severe drought and agricultural devastation.
  • 1940s - Alfalfa County sees a rebound in population and agriculture due to World War II demand.
  • 1950s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry in Alfalfa County.
  • 1960s-1970s - Tornadoes strike the area, causing damage and loss of life.
  • 2008 - An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 hits Alfalfa County, causing minor damage.