National Register Listing

Healdton Armory

a.k.a. Healdton National Guard Armory

Jct. of Fourth and Franklin Sts., Healdton, OK
The Healdton Armory (Healdton National Guard Armory) is significant within the economic context of Works Progress Administration projects in Healdton, Oklahoma, 1935-1936, within the military context of national defense requirements of the Oklahoma National Guard's local unit in the era between the two world wars, and within the architectural context of WPA building style and methodology locally and in Oklahoma. The armory was constructed between 1935 and 1936 by local men who were qualified for work relief under WPA guidelines. The project brought $40,000 into the economy of Healdton, Oklahoma, by employing an average of forty-six previously unemployed, unskilled workers for more than sixteen months. The armory also filled a longstanding military need for an adequate, secure drill hall and arms storage building for Company B, 120th Quartermaster Regiment, 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, which had previously had no permanent armory. The Healdton Armory is significant architecturally as an excellent, intact example of WPA architecture. The materials, brick manufactured in Oklahoma by convict labor, and workmanship, evident in masonry and cast concrete detailing, reflect both the goals of the WPA Building Program in Oklahoma and the practical considerations of using unskilled labor to construct large public buildings. The armory is one of two WPA structures remaining in Healdton, and it is the town's only example of military-style architecture. As it is essentially intact, the Healdton Armory is able to convey appropriate feeling and association within these three contexts.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Military; Economics

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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 famous Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, passes through the state of Oklahoma. The state has several unique landmarks along the route, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn in Arcadia.
Oklahoma random facts
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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.