Davison Silo
20 mi. (32 km) SE of Arnett, Arnett, OKThe significance of the Davison Silo is three-fold. Of unusual design, it was constructed (and apparently designed) by a remarkable man on what was for a time one of the largest ranching operations in Oklahoma. Unused now for many years, the silo stands battered by the weather but still structurally sound - a rather striking memorial to both man and ranch.
George E. Davison came to this rolling section of northwestern Oklahoma around the turn of the century, only a decade after the Cheyenne and Arapaho lands were thrown open to non-Indian settlements. He erected a square, two-story log house (still standing and itself a rather unusual structure), and gradually began putting together a substantial farming/ ranching operation. At the time it embraced upwards of 100,000 acres of pasture and feed-grain land, owned and under the lease. From the beginning, it was not just another ranch.
Around 1915 Davison built (or had built, although it is quite likely that he contributed to both design and construction) his 14-sided wooden silo, as unusual in its way as his log ranch house. In 1921 he introduced buffalo to the ranch - or, more properly, re-introduced them, as this rugged Canadian River area of present Oklahoma had been awash with American bison barely a half-century earlier. He brought the shaggy beasts up from the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge under a formal agreement to take care of a certain number of them. (This pioneering wildlife refuge, one of the first in the country, had been established in 1905 to protect the bison from threatened extinction. Base stock, curiously enough, was a herd of 15 of the animals taken west from the Bronx Zoo.)
Davison's interest in wildlife conservation was no fleeting fancy. As time went on his ranch sheltered countless quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys. And while guests were welcomed the buffalo roundups were always popular with visitors - none was ever allowed to take aim on the game, in season or out. They were, however, allowed to fish in the ranch's 18 well-stocked lakes. Understandably enough, the Davison ranch was for many years a much-visited northwestern Oklahoma showplace. Davison himself played a leading role in the early history of Ellis County and served it for a time in the Oklahoma legislature.
The ranch fell on hard times during the depression years. But Francis Davison, the founder's son, managed to hold on to the original log cabin home and at least some of the land (although not the silo). With a partner, he operated much of the old ranch after his father died and carried on his father's preservation and conservation practices. It remains today a working ranch. Over the years the Francis Davisons have continued to play strong roles in the life of this predominantly agricultural area. Mrs. Davison has been widely recognized for life-long efforts in extension service and 4-H work.
George E. Davison came to this rolling section of northwestern Oklahoma around the turn of the century, only a decade after the Cheyenne and Arapaho lands were thrown open to non-Indian settlements. He erected a square, two-story log house (still standing and itself a rather unusual structure), and gradually began putting together a substantial farming/ ranching operation. At the time it embraced upwards of 100,000 acres of pasture and feed-grain land, owned and under the lease. From the beginning, it was not just another ranch.
Around 1915 Davison built (or had built, although it is quite likely that he contributed to both design and construction) his 14-sided wooden silo, as unusual in its way as his log ranch house. In 1921 he introduced buffalo to the ranch - or, more properly, re-introduced them, as this rugged Canadian River area of present Oklahoma had been awash with American bison barely a half-century earlier. He brought the shaggy beasts up from the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge under a formal agreement to take care of a certain number of them. (This pioneering wildlife refuge, one of the first in the country, had been established in 1905 to protect the bison from threatened extinction. Base stock, curiously enough, was a herd of 15 of the animals taken west from the Bronx Zoo.)
Davison's interest in wildlife conservation was no fleeting fancy. As time went on his ranch sheltered countless quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys. And while guests were welcomed the buffalo roundups were always popular with visitors - none was ever allowed to take aim on the game, in season or out. They were, however, allowed to fish in the ranch's 18 well-stocked lakes. Understandably enough, the Davison ranch was for many years a much-visited northwestern Oklahoma showplace. Davison himself played a leading role in the early history of Ellis County and served it for a time in the Oklahoma legislature.
The ranch fell on hard times during the depression years. But Francis Davison, the founder's son, managed to hold on to the original log cabin home and at least some of the land (although not the silo). With a partner, he operated much of the old ranch after his father died and carried on his father's preservation and conservation practices. It remains today a working ranch. Over the years the Francis Davisons have continued to play strong roles in the life of this predominantly agricultural area. Mrs. Davison has been widely recognized for life-long efforts in extension service and 4-H work.
Bibliography
Miller, R. G., "The Smoking Room," The Oklahoma City Times, Nov. 29, 1967.
Davison, Mr. & Mrs. Francis interviews.
Miscellaneous materials from Oklahoma Publishing Company library files.
Davison, Mr. & Mrs. Francis interviews.
Miscellaneous materials from Oklahoma Publishing Company library files.
Agriculture; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 is the only state in the United States whose name is derived from a Native American word. "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people."
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.