National Register Listing

First National Bank

a.k.a. The 100th Meridan Museum

101 S. Main St., Erick, OK
In appearance and function the First National Bank Building of Erick is not unlike countless other small town bank buildings erected around the turn of the century. The Citizens Bank opened on the site in 1902 - a year after Erick itself was established - in a frame building. It became a "National" bank in 1905 and two years later the building being nominated was erected - a solid, two-story brick structure, one of the first completed in Erick. And until 1968, when it was abandoned in favor of a new facility at the other end of the block, it was the hub of the community.

Banking occupied the front 60 feet of the first floor, But a barber shop occupied the back 20 feet. (For a time there was also a four-chair barber shop in the basement!) The upstairs, again following a familiar small-town pattern, accommodated the area's leading business and professional people ... at least four attorneys over the years, three insurance agents, a dentist, two doctors. Even the judicial arm of local government occasionally used the bank building. At various times one Justice of the Peace maintained an office on the second floor, another held court in the basement.

The building thus served the town and community significantly in a number of different ways. And today, appearing much as it always has, it is serving in yet another way. As the 100th Meridian Museum it will not only preserve and display the area's heritage and artifacts, but dramatize an interesting aspect of its history as well. The 100th Meridian north of Red River to the 37th parallel was set by treaty as the western boundary of the Louisiana Purchase (1803). But the various surveys trying to determine the meridian varied almost as much as a degree (56 miles at Erick). The McClellan Survey of 1852-1853 actually placed this entire area in Texas. But the Gennett Survey of 1927-1929 finally determined the present Oklahoma-Texas boundary. And, appropriately enough, an official bench mark used in that survey is embedded in the east foundation wall of the bank (now museum) building.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

commerce
Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state in the U.S. Many of these lakes were created by damming rivers and streams, and they provide recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Oklahoma random facts
Beckham County, located in southwestern Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho. These tribes hunted bison and relied on farming for sustenance.

The county was officially established on July 16, 1907, as part of the Oklahoma Territory. It was named after J.C.W. Beckham, a former governor of Kentucky. The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the main cash crop. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardship to Beckham County, as crop prices plummeted and many farmers struggled to make a living.

During World War II, Beckham County played a significant role in the defense effort. The Altus Army Airfield, now known as Altus Air Force Base, was established in 1942. The base served as a training facility for pilot cadets, and its presence revitalized the county's economy. After the war, the military continued to be an important economic driver for the county.

In recent years, Beckham County has seen a significant shift in its economic profile. While agriculture remains important, the county has also embraced other industries, such as energy and tourism. The region is rich in oil and natural gas reserves, and drilling activities have contributed to its economic growth. Additionally, attractions such as Quartz Mountain Nature Park and Lake Altus-Lugert have made the county a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Today, Beckham County is a thriving community that combines a proud agricultural heritage with a diverse economy. Its history is documented through various museums and historical sites, preserving the legacy of its Native American roots, pioneer settlers, and military contributions.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Beckham County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Beckham County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1908 - The town of Sayre is founded as the county seat of Beckham County.
  • 1910 - The population of Beckham County is approximately 8,000.
  • 1928 - The first oil well is drilled in Beckham County, leading to an oil boom and increased prosperity.
  • 1930s - The Dust Bowl and Great Depression hit Beckham County hard, causing widespread poverty and agricultural decline.
  • 1940s - Beckham County experiences a post-war economic boom with the expansion of the oil and gas industry.
  • 1950s - The county population reaches its peak at over 20,000 residents.
  • 1980s - The oil industry experiences a downturn, leading to economic challenges for Beckham County.
  • 1997 - Elk City becomes the largest city in Beckham County, surpassing Sayre in population.
  • 2000s - Beckham County sees continued growth in industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.