National Register Listing

Bank of Gage

18 Main St., Gage, OK
This building housed the first banking facility to serve both the town of Gage and what would eventually become Ellis County. The building was constructed by S.A. McMannis and designated the Bank of Gage. Chartered on 6 June 1901, the original stockholders were S.A. McMannis, Elsie Daniels, and Jake Pryor. The bank served the many needs of the community for years until it was robbed in 1920. Most of the bank records were destroyed and the bank was unable to recover from the loss. The Bank of Gage merged with the Farmers State Bank on 22 October 1921. During its existence, the bank helped both settlers and businessmen get a financial foothold in this area of the county and gave its subscribers a sense of well-being by providing for their many needs. After the merger of the bank, the building continued to house a number of local businesses. Lippincott Hardware, Millers Hardware, Baxters Drugstore, Brownie Tiffin's Pool Hall, E.H. Ball Dry Goods, and Johnson's Mortuary. By the 1960s, the bank building itself was used for storage, but additions to the building continued to provide shelter for other businesses and community groups. For many years, a barber shop was in operation in the addition to the rear of the main building and the upstairs has been converted to apartments. Youth groups and senior citizens also meet in these facilities.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Economics

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

commerce economics
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.
Oklahoma random facts
Ellis County, located in Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times when Native American tribes inhabited the area. The area that is now Ellis County was originally home to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the region's resources for their sustenance and cultural practices.

In the 1800s, European settlers began to venture into the area, attracted by the promise of fertile land and abundant natural resources. The Land Run of 1892 led to a surge in population as settlers sought to claim their piece of the vast open prairie. Ellis County was officially established on July 16, 1907, as part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma.

Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, as settlers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further facilitated the growth of agriculture and enabled the transportation of goods to markets outside the county. The railroad also played a crucial role in the development of small towns within Ellis County, such as Arnett and Shattuck, which served as important trading and social centers for the local population.

Over the years, Ellis County has faced its share of challenges. The Dust Bowl era of the 1930s brought severe drought and wind erosion, leading to devastating agricultural losses and widespread economic hardship. However, the resilience of the local community allowed for recovery and growth in subsequent years. Today, Ellis County remains rooted in its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern industries and businesses that contribute to its continued development.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ellis County, Oklahoma.

  • 1850: The area that would become Ellis County is open for settlement as part of the Indian Territory.
  • 1868: The Medicine Lodge Treaty is signed, opening up the area for white settlement.
  • 1870: The first European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1882: Ellis County is formally established.
  • 1898: The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through Ellis County, leading to increased growth and development.
  • 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state, and Ellis County is part of the new state.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Ellis County hard, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1940s: Ellis County experiences a population decline due to the effects of World War II, as many young men leave to serve in the military.
  • 1950s-1960s: Ellis County sees a period of growth and prosperity, with the oil industry playing a significant role in the local economy.
  • 1980s-1990s: The oil industry experiences a decline, leading to economic challenges for Ellis County.
  • Present: Ellis County continues to be a rural area with agriculture and energy production as key industries.