Brady Cabin
38 mi. NW of Ardmore, Ardmore, OKJames J. Eaves, born on February 10, 1861 in Montague County, Texas, first entered Indian Territory as a cattle driver on the Chisholm Trail. Impressed with the possibilities of Indian Territory, Eaves and his family decided to leave Texas for the new land traveling in three covered wagons pulled by six oxen each. While fording the Red River one wagon bed floated away, but the family made it safely to Indian Territory. On December 23, 1892 the family settled 38 miles northwest of Ardmore at Elk, Indian Territory. The family lived in the dovered wagons until Eaves felled, pelled and notched enough trees to build a one room cabin (16'x16') with a stone fireplace on the east side. Later 3 rooms constructed of board and batten were added to the cabin. Eaves and his family lived in the cabin until 1905 when the family moved to Ardmore. Eaves eventually became a prosperous rancher and leading citizen of the Ardmore area. The cabin was used through the 1930s as a foreman's home. The present owner, the granddaughter of James Eaves, has restored the cabin to its appearance in 1905. The cabin with many of the original furnishings and farm equipment will be open to the public as a museum. The Brady Cabin is one of the few examples of pioneer architecture depicting the way of life in Indian Territory at the turn of the century.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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.
Oklahoma is home to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the American West. The museum features exhibits on cowboy life, Native American culture, and the art of the American West.
About Carter County
Carter County Timeline
Carter County, Oklahoma, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, also passed through the region.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
Carter County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carter County, Oklahoma.
- 1837 - The land that is now Carter County is part of the Chickasaw Nation's territory.
- 1856 - The Chickasaw Nation enters into a treaty with the United States, establishing a reservation in present-day Carter County.
- 1872 - The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad begins construction through the area, leading to increased settlement.
- 1901 - Carter County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, including Carter County.
- 1910 - The city of Ardmore becomes the county seat of Carter County.
- 1933 - The construction of Lake Murray State Park begins, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
- 1964 - The Turner Falls Park is established in the Arbuckle Mountains, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
- 1995 - The Murray State College Arbuckle Center opens in Ardmore, providing educational opportunities to the community.