First State Bank of Indiahoma
a.k.a. Indiahoma,Community Center
Main St., Indiahoma, OKThe renovated Indiahoma Community Center, at Main Street and Showplace Blvd., is focal point in a community-wide effort in the direction of economic revitalization and social self-reliance. And residents have already contributed significantly in this campaign for town restoration and beautification. Fittingly enough, the voluntary program continues - by using the unpretentious concrete center building itself as centerpiece - a community role begun nearly three-quarters of a century before.
This area was opened to settlement in 1901. The First State Bank of Indiahoma received its charter in 1909. And the present center building served as the community's lone bank from that year until 1964. The smaller the town, of course, the more important the role played, for better or for worse, by that town's bank. Indiahoma (pop. 434) was never large, but the First seems to have served it well. The comments of present residents are favorable. They point out that following the Depression Days moratorium of 1933, that closed all of the nation's banks, the First was one of the few in southwest Oklahoma that was able to reopen without restrictions.
In 1957 the First inaugurated an area uplift program by granting annual two-year scholarships to Cameron College in Lawton to the outstanding graduating senior from both Indiahoma and nearby Cache high schools. Two years later it remodeled the interior of its building and installed new fixtures.
Today, as the Indiahoma Community Center, the building is, as indicated, continuing this area-wide development role. Scheduled activities for youth and senior citizens, along "its weekly citizen planning meetings, now take place at the renovated bank/center. Meanwhile, Heritage Plaza north of the Center is being landscaped for use as an outdoor gathering place. One block to the north a Health Center has been established with regular medical care and volunteer community health workers. A mini-park next to the Health Center is planned, as is a nearby community market building.
Local significance of the building:
This area was opened to settlement in 1901. The First State Bank of Indiahoma received its charter in 1909. And the present center building served as the community's lone bank from that year until 1964. The smaller the town, of course, the more important the role played, for better or for worse, by that town's bank. Indiahoma (pop. 434) was never large, but the First seems to have served it well. The comments of present residents are favorable. They point out that following the Depression Days moratorium of 1933, that closed all of the nation's banks, the First was one of the few in southwest Oklahoma that was able to reopen without restrictions.
In 1957 the First inaugurated an area uplift program by granting annual two-year scholarships to Cameron College in Lawton to the outstanding graduating senior from both Indiahoma and nearby Cache high schools. Two years later it remodeled the interior of its building and installed new fixtures.
Today, as the Indiahoma Community Center, the building is, as indicated, continuing this area-wide development role. Scheduled activities for youth and senior citizens, along "its weekly citizen planning meetings, now take place at the renovated bank/center. Meanwhile, Heritage Plaza north of the Center is being landscaped for use as an outdoor gathering place. One block to the north a Health Center has been established with regular medical care and volunteer community health workers. A mini-park next to the Health Center is planned, as is a nearby community market building.
Commerce; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 known for its oil industry, which began in the early 1900s when oil was discovered in the state. Today, Oklahoma is still a major producer of oil and natural gas.
About Comanche County
Comanche County Timeline
Comanche County, Oklahoma has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache. These tribes lived off the land, hunting buffalo and practicing a nomadic lifestyle.
In the 19th century, European settlement and exploration began in the area. The United States government established several military forts to control the Native American tribes and protect settlers. Fort Sill, which was established in 1869, played a significant role in the region's development. It became an important center for communication, trade, and military operations, and it remains operational to this day.
The Land Run of 1901 was a defining moment in Comanche County's history. Thousands of individuals rushed to claim land when the territory opened up for settlement. This event brought a wave of new settlers, who established towns, built farms, and contributed to the development of the county.
In the 20th century, Comanche County became a hub for the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s led to a boom in the local economy and population. The oil industry brought new jobs, businesses, and prosperity to the area.
Today, Comanche County is a thriving community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to Fort Sill and the bustling city of Lawton, which serves as the county seat. The county continues to grow and evolve, while preserving its unique heritage and connection to its Native American roots.
In the 19th century, European settlement and exploration began in the area. The United States government established several military forts to control the Native American tribes and protect settlers. Fort Sill, which was established in 1869, played a significant role in the region's development. It became an important center for communication, trade, and military operations, and it remains operational to this day.
The Land Run of 1901 was a defining moment in Comanche County's history. Thousands of individuals rushed to claim land when the territory opened up for settlement. This event brought a wave of new settlers, who established towns, built farms, and contributed to the development of the county.
In the 20th century, Comanche County became a hub for the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s led to a boom in the local economy and population. The oil industry brought new jobs, businesses, and prosperity to the area.
Today, Comanche County is a thriving community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to Fort Sill and the bustling city of Lawton, which serves as the county seat. The county continues to grow and evolve, while preserving its unique heritage and connection to its Native American roots.
Comanche County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Comanche County, Oklahoma.
- 1820s - Comanche Native American tribe settles in the area
- 1836 - Congress establishes Indian Territory, which includes Comanche County
- 1851 - Treaty of Fort Atkinson is signed, creating a reservation for the Comanche
- 1872 - The U.S. government establishes the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation in present-day Comanche County
- 1901 - Lawton is established as the county seat
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state and Comanche County becomes part of it
- 1910s - Oil discoveries lead to an economic boom in the county
- 1942-1945 - Fort Sill, located in Comanche County, serves as a major training center during World War II
- 1950s-1960s - Integration and civil rights movements impact the county
- 2004 - Comanche Nation enters into a gaming compact with the state of Oklahoma, allowing the operation of casinos