National Register Listing

Berryhill Building

14-20 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa, OK
The Berryhill Building is significant under Criterion A for its important role in the commercial development of downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma Theodore Berryhill, a Creek Indian who made a fortune from land holdings in the Glenn Pool oil reserve, had this building erected in 1909-10 as an investment for his son Earle. He had it built during the height of Sapulpa's greatest boom period and when completed, the Berryhill was the city's most celebrated office building. For twenty years the Berryhill Building housed one of Sapulpa's most prominent banks on its first floor and for decades its upper level offices were occupied by many of the city's most prestigious commercial and professional tenants. Included among these were the corporate headquarters for many of the regional oil companies that operated in the nearby Glenn pool oil fields. The Berryhill Building is also significant under Criterion C for its embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a period and style of construction. Designed by prominent Oklahoma City architects Layton, Smith and Hawk, its five-story massing and Sullivanesque style distinguish it among its downtown peers in Sapulpa. The Berryhill Building is a significant part of the city's history, not only for its distinctive architectural presence, but as Sapulpa's premier office building.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

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 commerce
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
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.
Oklahoma random facts
Creek County, Oklahoma has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, which gave the county its name. These tribes thrived in the region, relying on the fertile land and abundant rivers for their sustenance.

In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.

During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.

In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.

Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Creek County, Oklahoma.

  • 1892 - Creek County is established as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Creek County is incorporated within the new state.
  • 1908 - Oil is discovered in Creek County, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1923 - The Creek County Courthouse, located in Sapulpa, is completed.
  • 1937 - The Creek County Fair is established, becoming an annual event.
  • 1961 - The Turner Turnpike, a toll road running through Creek County, is opened.
  • 1979 - The Creek County Jail is built in Sapulpa.
  • 1999 - A tornado strikes Creek County, causing significant damage.
  • 2010 - Creek County celebrates its centennial anniversary.