Norman Historic District
a.k.a. See Also:Sooner Theater Building
105 W. Main and 100--232 E. Main St., Norman, OK"Born Grown" is the catchy title of a recent book on Oklahoma City. The Sooner State's capital was spawned April 22, 1889, by a unique "run" that saw virgin prairie sprout hundreds of tents and crude wooden structures in a day to create something of an "instant city." At the same time, however, several other such cities were being created. Two of these were Guthrie and Norman. And today, while Oklahoma City has been "urban renewalled to the point of virtual unrecognizability both Guthrie and Norman have managed to cling to much of their early-day appearance. The heart of Guthrie, indeed - Territorial capital of Oklahoma and, until 1910, the state capital, as well - is already on the National Register as a Historic Preservation District. With this nomination a similar designation is being sought for the heart of Norman's downtown business section.
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 my home. It is where I grew up, where my family is, and where my heart will always be.
About Cleveland County
Cleveland County Timeline
Cleveland County, located in central Oklahoma, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Osage. These tribes were primarily hunter-gatherers and lived off the land, relying on the region's diverse wildlife and fertile soil.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the region. The United States government negotiated numerous treaties with the Native American tribes, leading to the forced removal of many tribes to the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. This opened up the area for further settlement, and pioneers began to establish homesteads and small towns.
The establishment of the Land Run of 1889 played a significant role in the county's development. Thousands of people flocked to the region, aiming to claim free land as part of the government's plan to encourage settlement. The town of Norman, now the county seat, was established during this time. It quickly grew into a thriving community with schools, businesses, and institutions, including the University of Oklahoma.
Throughout the 20th century, Cleveland County experienced various economic and cultural changes. The discovery of oil in the county in the 1920s led to an economic boom, attracting new industries and residents. The University of Oklahoma flourished and became a renowned institution in the fields of academics and sports. Today, Cleveland County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community, known for its rich history, educational institutions, and strong sense of community.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the region. The United States government negotiated numerous treaties with the Native American tribes, leading to the forced removal of many tribes to the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. This opened up the area for further settlement, and pioneers began to establish homesteads and small towns.
The establishment of the Land Run of 1889 played a significant role in the county's development. Thousands of people flocked to the region, aiming to claim free land as part of the government's plan to encourage settlement. The town of Norman, now the county seat, was established during this time. It quickly grew into a thriving community with schools, businesses, and institutions, including the University of Oklahoma.
Throughout the 20th century, Cleveland County experienced various economic and cultural changes. The discovery of oil in the county in the 1920s led to an economic boom, attracting new industries and residents. The University of Oklahoma flourished and became a renowned institution in the fields of academics and sports. Today, Cleveland County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community, known for its rich history, educational institutions, and strong sense of community.
Cleveland County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
- 1844: Cleveland County founded as a part of Cherokee Indian territory
- 1889: Land Run opens the region for settlement
- 1890: Cleveland County officially organized with Norman as the county seat
- 1902: University of Oklahoma established in Norman
- 1931: Lake Thunderbird State Park opened for public use
- 1952: Moore Air Base (now Tinker Air Force Base) established
- 1999: Moore tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history, strikes Cleveland County
- 2020: Celebrating over 130 years since the establishment of Cleveland County
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