National Register Listing

Lawton High School

a.k.a. Central Junior High School;Old Lawton High School

809 C Ave., Lawton, OK
Lawton High School is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A because of its importance as a public school in the city of Lawton between 1910 and 1946. Its architectural style and growth during that period represents a local response to the broader patterns of our state and national history. The Original Building's oversized presence reveals the importance local and state leaders placed on secondary education after statehood. The North Addition, built in 1922-23, provided additional classrooms as the Fort sill schools merged with Lawton's school district. The construction of the PWA Annex in 1939, provided employment opportunities for local building contractors and skilled labors during the later part of the New Deal Era. The vocational classrooms and gymnasium were an extension of national policies to revitalize the youth of the nation; however by 1942, the annex's function shifted to a "Victory School," a temporary elementary school set up in response to the military training at Fort Sill during World War II. Lawton High School continues today as an educational center and a local and aerial landmark. Lawton High school is also eligible under Criterion c because it is an excellent example of the classical Revival style and the Modern Movement style adapted for a secondary educational building. It is also significant as the only secondary school in Comanche County exhibiting the oversized architectural features of the classical Revival style.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education; Economics

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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.

architecture education economics
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma was the site of the largest land run in U.S. history. On April 22, 1889, thousands of people rushed into the unassigned lands of the Oklahoma Territory in search of free land. The land run led to the creation of several new towns and cities, including Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma random facts
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.

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