Canadian County Jail
300 S. Evans, El Reno, OKThe Canadian County Jail is historically and architecturally significant because it is the oldest county government structure in Canadian County, and it is one of the first works of Solomon Andrew Layton, Oklahoma's leading architect of the time.
S.A. Layton was one of the most important and influential architects in early twentieth century Oklahoma. From 1902 to 1907, Layton was in partnership with W.H. (Bill) Riley in the practice they established in El Reno, county seat of Canadian County. It was during that time that Layton designed the Canadian County Courthouse (February 12, 1903-1964). Plans for a new jail began shortly after the courthouse was completed. Construction of the jail began in the fall of 1906 and concluded in March 1907, just a few months before Oklahoma statehood. The jail was quite modern facility, boasting space for 24 prisoners, a separate detention room for boys, a women's ward, and upstairs offices. The masonry structure stood amid dirt streets and frame buildings. Today, a few residences Layton designed still remain in El Reno as acknowledgement of his contribution to the community.
The Canadian County Jail is the only one of Layton's public structures remaining in El Reno, and it is the oldest county government structure still intact in Canadian County.
An ordered symmetrical plan and elevations are characteristic of Layton's work, as are superb masonry classical columns, orders and a central pediment, all evidenced in the Canadian County Jail.
Local significance of the building:
S.A. Layton was one of the most important and influential architects in early twentieth century Oklahoma. From 1902 to 1907, Layton was in partnership with W.H. (Bill) Riley in the practice they established in El Reno, county seat of Canadian County. It was during that time that Layton designed the Canadian County Courthouse (February 12, 1903-1964). Plans for a new jail began shortly after the courthouse was completed. Construction of the jail began in the fall of 1906 and concluded in March 1907, just a few months before Oklahoma statehood. The jail was quite modern facility, boasting space for 24 prisoners, a separate detention room for boys, a women's ward, and upstairs offices. The masonry structure stood amid dirt streets and frame buildings. Today, a few residences Layton designed still remain in El Reno as acknowledgement of his contribution to the community.
The Canadian County Jail is the only one of Layton's public structures remaining in El Reno, and it is the oldest county government structure still intact in Canadian County.
An ordered symmetrical plan and elevations are characteristic of Layton's work, as are superb masonry classical columns, orders and a central pediment, all evidenced in the Canadian County Jail.
Architecture; Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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 state bird of Oklahoma is the scissor-tailed flycatcher, which is known for its distinctive long tail feathers that resemble scissors.
About Canadian County
Canadian County Timeline
Canadian County is a county located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States. The county was established in 1889 as part of Oklahoma Territory, shortly after the Land Run of April 22, 1889. Its name is derived from the Canadian River, which runs through the county. The county seat is El Reno, which was named after Fort Reno, a historic military fort.
In the early years, Canadian County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Wheat, cotton, and cattle were the primary crops, and the county became known for its fertile soil and abundant water supply. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county experienced more rapid growth and development.
During World War II, Canadian County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. El Reno was home to the Fort Reno Internment Camp, which held German prisoners of war. The county also had several military installations, such as the El Reno Naval Air Station and the Reno Army Airfield, where bomber crews were trained.
In recent years, Canadian County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county has attracted numerous residents who work in the nearby Oklahoma City metropolitan area, seeking a more rural and peaceful lifestyle. While agriculture continues to be an important industry in the county, Canadian County has also seen the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, energy, and retail.
Overall, Canadian County has a rich history rooted in agriculture, and has adapted to changing times to become a vibrant community with a diverse economy.
In the early years, Canadian County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Wheat, cotton, and cattle were the primary crops, and the county became known for its fertile soil and abundant water supply. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county experienced more rapid growth and development.
During World War II, Canadian County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. El Reno was home to the Fort Reno Internment Camp, which held German prisoners of war. The county also had several military installations, such as the El Reno Naval Air Station and the Reno Army Airfield, where bomber crews were trained.
In recent years, Canadian County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county has attracted numerous residents who work in the nearby Oklahoma City metropolitan area, seeking a more rural and peaceful lifestyle. While agriculture continues to be an important industry in the county, Canadian County has also seen the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, energy, and retail.
Overall, Canadian County has a rich history rooted in agriculture, and has adapted to changing times to become a vibrant community with a diverse economy.
Canadian County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Canadian County, Oklahoma.
- 1890 - Canadian County is founded as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
- 1892 - The county seat is established in El Reno.
- 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through the county.
- 1909 - The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is established in Chickasha.
- 1931 - The Great Depression reaches its peak, causing economic hardship in the county.
- 1959 - The Canadian River is dammed to create Lake Overholser.
- 1986 - The Canadian County Historical Museum is opened in El Reno.
- 1999 - A tornado outbreak affects Canadian County, causing significant damage.
- 2005 - Construction of the Canadian Valley Technology Center is completed.