Richardson Building
a.k.a. Bank of Union
NE of Main and Division, Union City, OKThe Richardson building is significant because it was the focal point of commercial activities in Union City. The south side of the building contained the town post office during this period. The corner section of the building contained the Bank of Union, center of the town's financial dealings, while the western section housed the city's only drug store and pharmacy.
Both the bank and pharmacy were owned and operated by Dr. R. Richardson who was town doctor, druggist, banker, and builder of the structure. As the town's leading citizen, Richardson dominated local commercial activities in this town of less than 1,000 for most of the building's municipal history. Serving as bank, post office, and pharmacy, the building was the primary commercial center until recently when business activity eastward to the main highway passing through the town.
Local significance of the building:
Both the bank and pharmacy were owned and operated by Dr. R. Richardson who was town doctor, druggist, banker, and builder of the structure. As the town's leading citizen, Richardson dominated local commercial activities in this town of less than 1,000 for most of the building's municipal history. Serving as bank, post office, and pharmacy, the building was the primary commercial center until recently when business activity eastward to the main highway passing through the town.
Commerce
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.
The state animal of Oklahoma is the American Bison, which was once hunted nearly to extinction in the 19th century. Today, bison are raised on ranches in Oklahoma and other states for their meat, hides, and other products.
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.