Wagner, J. H., House
521 N. Prouty Ave., Watonga, OKThe J. H. Wagner House is primarily significant because of its exterior architecture. Not only is it a good example of the Queen Anne, prairie Victorian style, it is the single remaining example of that style in Watonga, Oklahoma and the region of Blaine County. More to the point, its two-story eight-sided tower with cupola is wholly unique within the area. The structure's steeply pitched roof and sheer bulk also give it added distinction. Furthermore, the Wagner House is especially well preserved and after eighty years, retains its architectural integrity. Finally, the recent restoration of the structure has attracted considerable attention and stimulated interest in historic preservation.
De But the house is also significant for what it suggests about the settlement of western Oklahoma. Initially the reservation of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, what is now Blaine County, Oklahoma was opened to white settlement in 1892. Among the first settlers was J. H. Wagner, who established a mercantile business in a tent on Watonga's Main Street. One of the most successful businessmen in the community, his fortune grew with the success of Oklahoma Territory. In 1900 he married, and three years later he had built for his bride the grand residence on Prouty Street. Not until four years later did Oklahoma become a State. The J. H. Wagner House, therefore, symbolizes the unique settlement, rapid development, and economic growth of Oklahoma Territory. Literally, within eleven years tepees were replaced by Victorian towers.
Altogether, then, the architecture and historical circumstances of the J. H. Wagner House make it particular significant.
Local significance of the building:
De But the house is also significant for what it suggests about the settlement of western Oklahoma. Initially the reservation of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, what is now Blaine County, Oklahoma was opened to white settlement in 1892. Among the first settlers was J. H. Wagner, who established a mercantile business in a tent on Watonga's Main Street. One of the most successful businessmen in the community, his fortune grew with the success of Oklahoma Territory. In 1900 he married, and three years later he had built for his bride the grand residence on Prouty Street. Not until four years later did Oklahoma become a State. The J. H. Wagner House, therefore, symbolizes the unique settlement, rapid development, and economic growth of Oklahoma Territory. Literally, within eleven years tepees were replaced by Victorian towers.
Altogether, then, the architecture and historical circumstances of the J. H. Wagner House make it particular significant.
Exploration/settlement; 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.
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The first Native American astronaut, John Herrington, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Herrington flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2002.
About Blaine County
Blaine County Timeline
Blaine County is located in the state of Oklahoma, USA, and has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes. The region was originally inhabited by various groups of Native Americans, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who roamed the area for centuries before the arrival of European settlers.
In the 19th century, the land that would become Blaine County was part of the vast territory designated as Indian Territory. During this time, the United States government forcibly relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to the western territories, including present-day Oklahoma. The establishment of Indian Territory opened up opportunities for non-Native settlers to homestead in the area.
Blaine County was officially established on November 16, 1892, when it was carved out of several neighboring counties. It was named in honor of James G. Blaine, a prominent politician and statesman of the time. The county seat was initially located in Watonga, which had been settled in the late 1880s.
The early economy of Blaine County revolved around agriculture, with farming and ranching playing a vital role. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant changes to the county's economy. Oil wells were established, attracting new industry and boosting the local economy. Today, Blaine County continues to be an important agricultural region, as well as benefiting from industries such as oil and gas production.
In the 19th century, the land that would become Blaine County was part of the vast territory designated as Indian Territory. During this time, the United States government forcibly relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to the western territories, including present-day Oklahoma. The establishment of Indian Territory opened up opportunities for non-Native settlers to homestead in the area.
Blaine County was officially established on November 16, 1892, when it was carved out of several neighboring counties. It was named in honor of James G. Blaine, a prominent politician and statesman of the time. The county seat was initially located in Watonga, which had been settled in the late 1880s.
The early economy of Blaine County revolved around agriculture, with farming and ranching playing a vital role. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant changes to the county's economy. Oil wells were established, attracting new industry and boosting the local economy. Today, Blaine County continues to be an important agricultural region, as well as benefiting from industries such as oil and gas production.
Blaine County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Blaine County, Oklahoma.
- 1884 - Blaine County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory
- 1906 - The town of Watonga becomes the county seat
- 1912 - Longdale, Canton, and Okeene are incorporated as towns
- 1947 - The Roman Nose State Park is established
- 1993 - The Blaine County Museum is opened in Watonga