Shattuck National Bank Building
a.k.a. Shattuck Public Library
100 S. Main St., Shattuck, OKThis building housed the original banking facility that has provided continuous services to the residents of Shattuck since 8 July 1909. Originally chartered as the Shattuck State Bank, the founding organization purchased the bank site on July 24, 1909. Work was begun immediately on the original building, a single-story brick building completed in 1910. The original stockholders of the Bank, started by J.H.C. Stuart, included James T. Hastings, M.0. Murphy, W. E. Stuart, and C.E. Bigelow, all prominent settlers of Shattuck. The First Statement of Condition was dated January 11, 1910, and reflected total assets of $84,371.69. On April 7, 1911, the bank was converted to the Shattuck National Bank and the institution has kept that title to the present. In 1913, the building also provided tenancy for the Joppa Lodge (Masonic) on its upper floor and in the 1920s, the rear of the building was used to house the Shattuck Post Office. The Bank continued to flourish and consolidated with the Home State Bank, organized on July 19, 1919, in September 1922. The Bank remained solvent during the 1920s and 1930s. The bank remained in this building until January 1963 when the facilities were transferred to their present location. The bank building was then donated to the town of Shattuck and has been used since as the Public Library. This building continues to provide a viable resource for the town of Shattuck.
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.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.