Presbyterian Church
3rd St. and Ave. E, Beaver City, OKEvery western boom town could count a saloon and a dance hall among its earliest structures, and certainly Beaver City was no exception. (Indeed, if any one thing were to distinguish its first saloon and first dance hall it would have to be, not the fact of their construction, but the building materials that went into them. They were made of sod!)
But every western boom town could also count a place of worship among its early buildings. If it was not always constructed as promptly as the others, it was usually constructed more substantially. And Beaver City's first church attests to this. The first in all of No Man's Land, it was built well. And it still stands today, in use regularly, a fitting memorial to the sturdy pioneers who opened this harsh region nearly a century ago.
By 1887 Beaver City was nearly five years old and the Rev. R. M. Overstreet decided it was past time the raw, frontier town had a church, He organized the First Presbyterian congregation and began a building fund drive. With major support from the denomination's missionary board in the East the church was finally completed as something of a trail blazer, Aside from Indian Mission structures -- that is, churches built as part of the missionary effort among the various Indian tribes in what is now Oklahoma -- the Beaver City church is believed to be one of the first, if not the first, erected by and for a non-Indian congregation.
The church, modified only slightly over the years, has been in continuous use from the beginning. Because of its age, constant service, and role in the development of the western frontier, this claim for National Register status is presented.
Local significance of the building:
But every western boom town could also count a place of worship among its early buildings. If it was not always constructed as promptly as the others, it was usually constructed more substantially. And Beaver City's first church attests to this. The first in all of No Man's Land, it was built well. And it still stands today, in use regularly, a fitting memorial to the sturdy pioneers who opened this harsh region nearly a century ago.
By 1887 Beaver City was nearly five years old and the Rev. R. M. Overstreet decided it was past time the raw, frontier town had a church, He organized the First Presbyterian congregation and began a building fund drive. With major support from the denomination's missionary board in the East the church was finally completed as something of a trail blazer, Aside from Indian Mission structures -- that is, churches built as part of the missionary effort among the various Indian tribes in what is now Oklahoma -- the Beaver City church is believed to be one of the first, if not the first, erected by and for a non-Indian congregation.
The church, modified only slightly over the years, has been in continuous use from the beginning. Because of its age, constant service, and role in the development of the western frontier, this claim for National Register status is presented.
Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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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