National Register Listings in Greer County, Oklahoma
Oklahoma was originally home to many Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations. These tribes were forcibly relocated to Oklahoma from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States during the 1830s and 1840s in a tragic event known as the Trail of Tears.
Greer County, Oklahoma has a fascinating history that stretches back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area became a part of the Indian Territory following the Indian Removal Act of 1830. It was home to various tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering.
In 1886, a historic event occurred that would shape Greer County's future. The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Texas in a boundary dispute with the state of Oklahoma, which resulted in a significant portion of Greer County being transferred from Indian Territory to Texas. However, just a few years later, in 1896, the Supreme Court reversed its decision, returning the disputed lands back to Oklahoma.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of development and prosperity to Greer County. Oil wells dotted the landscape, attracting workers and entrepreneurs to the area. This led to the creation of new towns and infrastructure, and Greer County experienced rapid economic growth.
Despite the challenges brought by the Great Depression and subsequent periods of economic downturn, Greer County remained resilient. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, played a crucial role in sustaining the local economy. Over time, the county diversified its industries, with the establishment of manufacturing plants and the growth of the service sector.
Today, Greer County continues to thrive as a rural community with a rich history. It celebrates its heritage through various events and festivals, and the county's natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Greer County stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people throughout the years.
In 1886, a historic event occurred that would shape Greer County's future. The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Texas in a boundary dispute with the state of Oklahoma, which resulted in a significant portion of Greer County being transferred from Indian Territory to Texas. However, just a few years later, in 1896, the Supreme Court reversed its decision, returning the disputed lands back to Oklahoma.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of development and prosperity to Greer County. Oil wells dotted the landscape, attracting workers and entrepreneurs to the area. This led to the creation of new towns and infrastructure, and Greer County experienced rapid economic growth.
Despite the challenges brought by the Great Depression and subsequent periods of economic downturn, Greer County remained resilient. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, played a crucial role in sustaining the local economy. Over time, the county diversified its industries, with the establishment of manufacturing plants and the growth of the service sector.
Today, Greer County continues to thrive as a rural community with a rich history. It celebrates its heritage through various events and festivals, and the county's natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Greer County stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people throughout the years.
- 1834: The area now known as Greer County is included in the Indian Territory, reserved for Native American tribes.
- 1846: The United States forcibly removes the Plains Indians from the territory as part of the Indian Removal Act.
- 1854: The Kansas-Nebraska Act divides the Indian Territory, with Greer County becoming part of Texas.
- 1876: A surveying error places Greer County in the Oklahoma Territory, leading to a border dispute between Texas and the federal government.
- 1896: The U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of the federal government, determining that Greer County is part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907: Oklahoma is admitted as a state, with Greer County becoming part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma.