Washington School

214 W. Federal St., Drumright, OK
The Washington School is significant because of its association with education in Drumright, Oklahoma for over 65 years and because it is one of two buildings of locally quarried sandstone left intact from the oil boom days.

The Washington School building was constructed in 1915 shortly after the discovery of oil north of Drumright. Aaron Drumright, co-founder of the town, was the principal force in helping to erect Drumright's first school. The school provided vital educational needs during the oil boom period when enrollment of students rapidly increased due to the sudden overpopulation of the town. The growing influx of oil field workers and their families resulted in the Drumright School District becoming one of the largest in Oklahoma in terms of area covered and enrollment. The building has continuously served the social/educational needs of the Drumright community for 65 years as it is presently used by the Drumright Senior Citizens and Nutrition Center.

The building was constructed of native sandstone cut at the Hopkins Brothers' quarry which supplying building stone material for several commercial and educational buildings in the Creek and Payne County area.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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.

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Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state in the country, with over 200 lakes created by dams.
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.