National Register Listing

Oklahoma College for Women Historic District

a.k.a. Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts; University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Roughly bounded by Grand Ave., 19th St., Alabama Ave., and alley west of 15th St., Chickasha, OK
Local significance of the district:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
The first oil well in Oklahoma was drilled in 1897 in what is now Bartlesville. The discovery of oil in Oklahoma led to a boom in the state's economy, and it quickly became one of the largest oil-producing states in the country.
Oklahoma random facts
Grady County, Oklahoma, has a rich history that spans over a century. It was originally a part of the land given to the Creek Nation in the 1830s after their removal from the southeastern United States. The area that would become Grady County was later opened up to non-Native settlement as part of the Land Run of 1889.

The county was officially established on 1907 when Oklahoma became a state. It was named after Henry W. Grady, a prominent journalist and spokesperson for the "New South" during the Reconstruction Era. The county seat was initially located in Chickasha, which remains the largest city and commercial center of the county.

During the early years, Grady County experienced rapid growth and development, primarily driven by agriculture, oil, and gas industries. The discovery of oil in the area in the early 1900s led to an economic boom, attracting settlers and entrepreneurs. This period of prosperity led to the construction of prominent buildings and the establishment of various businesses in Chickasha.

Grady County faced difficulties during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era in the 1930s. The agricultural economy suffered greatly, leading to financial hardships for many residents. However, the county gradually recovered, and in the post-war years, industries such as manufacturing and retail began to flourish alongside the continued importance of agriculture and energy.

Today, Grady County remains an active and vibrant community, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The county continues to preserve and celebrate its history, with various museums and historical sites offering insights into its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Grady County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Grady County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory
  • 1908 - Chickasha is designated as the county seat
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes the primary industry, with cotton and wheat being the main crops
  • 1920s - Discovery of oil in Grady County leads to a boom in the local economy
  • 1931 - The Great Depression causes a decline in the county's economy
  • 1945 - The Chickasaw Ordnance Plant is established during World War II
  • 1950s - The county experiences growth in manufacturing and industry
  • 1969 - Grady County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history
  • 1980s - The county's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and retail industries
  • 2013 - Grady County celebrates its centennial anniversary