Hotel Vinita
Jct. of Canadian and Wilson Sts., SW corner, Vinita, OKThe Hotel Vinita, built in 1930, is significant as a reflection of the growing awareness of the automobile as the new form of transportation. Formerly, large hotels were built near the railroad line to accommodate the passenger trains. The Hotel Vinita is an excellent example of one the few large hotels built along Route 66 to serve the growing numbers of automobile travelers who were making the trip from east to west across the United States. It is one of two hotels of such size that remain standing on the original Route 66 highway and the only one located in eastern Oklahoma. The second hotel, the Casa Grande, is located in western Oklahoma in Elk City and is similar in size and design. The Will Rogers Hotel in Claremore, Oklahoma, another multi-story hotel, was not along Route 66 until the highway was re-routed by it. The architecture of the Hotel Vinita is also significant as an excellent example of hotel design in the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture. Contextually, it relates to "Commerce on Route 66 in Oklahoma (1926-1944)" and as a property type, it relates to Cabins, Motor Courts, and Hotels.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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.
The musical "Oklahoma!" was named after the state and premiered on Broadway in 1943. The show was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is still performed in theaters around the world today.
About Craig County
Craig County Timeline
Craig County, located in northeastern Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history dating back hundreds of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Delaware, and Cherokee. The region became part of Indian Territory after the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced many tribes to relocate to the area.
In 1828, the Osage ceded their lands to the federal government, opening the area to settlement. The area eventually attracted pioneers and settlers, who began establishing farms and communities. In 1907, Oklahoma became a state, and Craig County was officially established. It was named after Granville Craig, a prominent Cherokee politician.
The early years of Craig County saw significant growth and development. The discovery of lead and zinc deposits in the region in the early 1900s spurred economic prosperity and attracted mining companies. Several mining towns emerged, including Vinita, the county seat, and Welch, which became a major zinc mining center.
However, the decline of the mining industry in the mid-20th century led to an economic downturn in the area. Many mining operations closed, causing job losses and a decline in population. In recent decades, Craig County has focused on diversifying its economy, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the scenic Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, have attracted visitors seeking outdoor recreational activities.
Today, Craig County continues to evolve as a vibrant community, preserving its natural beauty and embracing its rich cultural heritage. The county boasts a strong sense of community and has made efforts to revitalize its downtown areas. With a blend of historical significance and modern amenities, Craig County offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the future.
In 1828, the Osage ceded their lands to the federal government, opening the area to settlement. The area eventually attracted pioneers and settlers, who began establishing farms and communities. In 1907, Oklahoma became a state, and Craig County was officially established. It was named after Granville Craig, a prominent Cherokee politician.
The early years of Craig County saw significant growth and development. The discovery of lead and zinc deposits in the region in the early 1900s spurred economic prosperity and attracted mining companies. Several mining towns emerged, including Vinita, the county seat, and Welch, which became a major zinc mining center.
However, the decline of the mining industry in the mid-20th century led to an economic downturn in the area. Many mining operations closed, causing job losses and a decline in population. In recent decades, Craig County has focused on diversifying its economy, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the scenic Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, have attracted visitors seeking outdoor recreational activities.
Today, Craig County continues to evolve as a vibrant community, preserving its natural beauty and embracing its rich cultural heritage. The county boasts a strong sense of community and has made efforts to revitalize its downtown areas. With a blend of historical significance and modern amenities, Craig County offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the future.
Craig County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Craig County, Oklahoma.
- 1854 - The area that is now Craig County is included in the Cherokee Nation's domain.
- 1861 - The Cherokee Nation aligns with the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1867 - The Cherokee Nation is dissolved, and the area becomes part of the Indian Territory.
- 1891 - The area is opened to non-Indian settlement and becomes part of the newly created Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma is admitted as the 46th state of the United States, including Craig County.
- 1911 - Vinita is selected as the county seat of Craig County.
- 1925 - The towns of Centralia, Bluejacket, and Ketcum are incorporated.
- 1933 - Oklahoma experiences significant flooding, including parts of Craig County.
- 1967 - The National Space Surveillance Center is established near Vinita.
- 2002 - The Oklahoma Department of Corrections opens the Dick Conner Correctional Center north of Hominy.