Knowles Grain Elevator
U.S. 64, Knowles, OKThe Knowles Elevator is significant because it is the only remaining structure associated with the grain industry and the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railroad, which was taken over by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (KATY) in the 1920s. It was an integral part of the agriculture, commerce, and economy of Knowles. The Knowles Elevator is the sole survivor of the three elevators built in 1913 by the Sappington Grain Company. With the arrival of the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railroad on July 4, 1912, Knowles rapidly became an important trading, marketing and shipping point for eastern Beaver County. The principal crop was wheat, however, kaffir corn, hogs and cattle were also shipped from Knowles to the gulf ports of Houston and Galveston and east to Kansas City via connections with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in Woodward, Oklahoma. The Knowles Elevator was abandoned during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Agriculture; Engineering; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
Oklahoma is above all else a people place.
About Beaver County
Beaver County Timeline
Beaver County, Oklahoma, located in the westernmost part of the state, has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. These tribes thrived in the region due to the abundance of water sources, such as the Beaver River, which provided a vital resource for their survival.
The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the area in the 19th century. In the 1830s, the U.S. government began relocating Native American tribes from the southeastern states to what is now Oklahoma, including the region that would become Beaver County. The tribes were forcibly removed along the Trail of Tears, impacting the area's native population.
In the early 20th century, Beaver County experienced a surge in growth and development, mainly due to the expansion of railroads. The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad reached the county in the early 1900s, opening up new opportunities for transportation and commerce. Towns like Beaver and Balko were established along the rail lines, attracting settlers and businesses.
Throughout the years, agriculture has been a crucial part of Beaver County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of various crops, including wheat, corn, and cotton. Additionally, cattle and sheep ranching became prominent industries in the region. Even today, farming and ranching continue to play an essential role in the county's economy.
Beaver County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. From its Native American roots to the growth facilitated by railroads and the continued importance of agriculture, the county's history is rich and continues to shape its present-day identity.
The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the area in the 19th century. In the 1830s, the U.S. government began relocating Native American tribes from the southeastern states to what is now Oklahoma, including the region that would become Beaver County. The tribes were forcibly removed along the Trail of Tears, impacting the area's native population.
In the early 20th century, Beaver County experienced a surge in growth and development, mainly due to the expansion of railroads. The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad reached the county in the early 1900s, opening up new opportunities for transportation and commerce. Towns like Beaver and Balko were established along the rail lines, attracting settlers and businesses.
Throughout the years, agriculture has been a crucial part of Beaver County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of various crops, including wheat, corn, and cotton. Additionally, cattle and sheep ranching became prominent industries in the region. Even today, farming and ranching continue to play an essential role in the county's economy.
Beaver County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people. From its Native American roots to the growth facilitated by railroads and the continued importance of agriculture, the county's history is rich and continues to shape its present-day identity.
Beaver County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Beaver County, Oklahoma.
- 1832: The area that would later become Beaver County is part of the Cherokee Outlet, which is ceded to the United States through the Treaty of New Echota.
- 1884: The Panhandle Land Boom leads to increased settlement in the area.
- 1890: Beaver County is created by the Organic Act and named after the nearby Beaver River.
- 1891: The town of Beaver is established as the county seat.
- 1901: The discovery of oil leads to a boom in population and economic growth.
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, causing hardship and a decline in population.
- 1960s: The completion of the Beaver Dam and reservoir provides a reliable water source for the region.
- 2007: The town of Beaver celebrates its centennial.
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