Carr, George, Ranch House
NW of Camargo, Camargo, OKThe George Carr ranch house is significant because it was the headquarters of the T-Bar Ranch. Born in 1859, Carr settled in Day County, Oklahoma Territory in 1894 after ranching for years in Colorado. Carr. and his wife Emma built their home on the banks of the South Canadian River, several miles west of Camargo, Oklahoma. The division of Day County into smaller units placed the Carr home in Ellis County, but they also owned land in Dewey County. Carr named his ranch the "T-Bar" Ranch, earning Carr the nickname "T-Bar George." At its greatest extent, the ranch contained 39 sections of land. The Carr ranch was known for its registered quarter horses, the first in western Oklahoma, and its high-quality cattle. The Carr house became the social center for the surrounding area and the Carrs hosted a variety of celebrations, such as picnics and dances. The Carrs lived in Camargo and in Woodward, Oklahoma during the 1920s before retiring to California. Emma died in 1930 and Carr in 1946. Carr's land passed into the hands of the Harrel family.
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Oklahoma was the birthplace of many famous people, including Will Rogers, a humorist and actor; Brad Pitt, a famous Hollywood actor; and Reba McEntire, a country music singer and actress.
About Ellis County
Ellis County Timeline
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.
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.
Ellis County Timeline
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.