Penateka
a.k.a. Chief's House
3.5 mi. W of Elgin on U.S. 277, Elgin, OK" the house built for Tsee-aht-sinne-kah (One-feather-pointing-forward), known historically as See-i-chin-i-cah (Straight Feather), is the only remaining structure of its kind. Colonel Ronald Slidell Mackenzie, Commander of Fort Sill, decided to build houses for the Comanche headmen following the War with the Comanche Nation of 1874–1875. Mackenzie had two constructed of stone, before the Department of the Interior picked up the program to construct houses in 1877. The nomination is of one of the first two structures.
The program was based on the statement of Esse-toyet, a major headman who pledged to burn all the lodg-s and abandon the migratory existence of the Comanche people, when the United States government provided comfortable log and stone houses. While the concept of ownership among the Comanche is comparison with the civilization Western of Europe, the houses were used by the bands as they camped in the surrounding grounds. This was the building of the Penateka Band (Honey-eater).
When the late H. M. Fulbright purchased the allotment of an Indian from the Indian Service, he was required to pay and additional $1,000.00 because of the old stone house on the property.
Local significance of the building:
The program was based on the statement of Esse-toyet, a major headman who pledged to burn all the lodg-s and abandon the migratory existence of the Comanche people, when the United States government provided comfortable log and stone houses. While the concept of ownership among the Comanche is comparison with the civilization Western of Europe, the houses were used by the bands as they camped in the surrounding grounds. This was the building of the Penateka Band (Honey-eater).
When the late H. M. Fulbright purchased the allotment of an Indian from the Indian Service, he was required to pay and additional $1,000.00 because of the old stone house on the property.
Native American; Military
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
In 1988, the residents of Boise City, Oklahoma, were tricked into believing they were under attack by aliens. A local radio station aired a fake news report about a UFO sighting, and many residents saw lights in the sky that they believed were alien spacecraft. The hoax became national news and has since become a part of the town's history.
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 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