National Register Listing

Markham School and Teacherage

SW of Oilton, Oilton, OK
The Markham School and Teacherage are significant because they are the only remaining buildings left in the oil boom "ghost town" of Markham and because of their role in the educational and social history of the Markham community. In late 1914, oil was discovered on the farm of John H. Markham, Jr. and virtually overnight an oil boom town emerged near the Markham Lease. Markham was platted and laid out in September, 1914. It grew to a population of 800 in 100 days with over 60 businesses. There were several stores and saloons, a bank, a hotel, a newspaper, and a United States Post Office was established on February 26, 1915 (see attached plat map of Markham).

Markham was also important because it was the site of the Markham Ferry located on the north side of the Cimarron River which was the principal means of crossing for travelers between Stillwater and Yale on one side and Cushing and Drumright on the other. By 1930, Markham had lost its United States Post Office, oil production had declined, and most of its residents had moved to nearby towns such as Oilton and Drumright. Thus in a matter of fifteen years, a new community had emerged from a farm field, reached its zenith during the flush production years of the Markham Oil Lease, and become an oil boom "ghost town."

The Markham School and Teacherage served as both an elementary and secondary school for the oil field and farming communities in the area. It reached a peak enrollment of approximately 300 students in 1917. The teacherage served as housing for Markham teachers, who numbered as many as a dozen during the heyday of the school. An intense rivalry developed between the farming population to the west of the school and the oil field families to the east, especially at school functions where athletic and social teams would be pitted against each other. During the 1920s, the Markham and Vida Way School Districts were consolidated (District #102) under the supervision of the Payne County Superintendent of Schools. The Markham School closed its doors in the 1940s due to lack of enrollment.
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

education
Oklahoma is the ideal state for anyone who wants to start a business or expand their career.
Mike Pence in Interview with The Oklahoman
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.
Online RSVP, Simplified
  • Start free, set up in minutes
  • Send invites instantly
  • Real-time response analytics
  • Clean, ad-free experience
Create an RSVP event