National Register Listing

Downtown Altus Historic District

Broadway, Main, Hudson & Commerce Sts., Altus, OK
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

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 name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people." The Choctaw Nation had a significant presence in the area that is now Oklahoma before it became a state.
Oklahoma random facts
Jackson County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Oklahoma, in the United States. The area that is now Jackson County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the area, and conflicts between settlers and Native Americans were common.

In 1867, the Indian Meridian Line was established, dividing the land into sections and opening it up for settlement. This led to an influx of homesteaders to the area, and the town of Jackson was founded in 1902. The town's name was later changed to Altus, which is still the county seat today.

The discovery of oil and gas in the early 20th century brought economic prosperity to Jackson County. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the county became an important energy producer. The oil and gas industry played a significant role in the development of the county's economy and attracted new residents.

During World War II, Altus Air Force Base was established in Jackson County. The presence of the military base boosted the local economy and brought new jobs to the area. Today, Altus Air Force Base remains an important part of the county's economy and contributes to its diverse cultural heritage.

Overall, Jackson County has a rich history that includes Native American settlement, waves of European settlement, the development of the oil and gas industry, and the establishment of a military base. These factors have shaped the county into what it is today, a thriving community with a strong economy and diverse population.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Oklahoma.

  • 1870: Jackson County is established as part of the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory.
  • 1890: The Land Run of 1890 allows non-Indigenous settlers to claim land in the county.
  • 1901: Altus, the county seat, is founded as a townsite.
  • 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state, and Jackson County becomes part of the new state.
  • 1941-1945: During World War II, Altus becomes the site of an army airfield, which later becomes Altus Air Force Base.
  • 1953: Western Oklahoma State College (now known as Western Oklahoma State College) is established in Altus.
  • 1960s: The county experiences an agricultural boom with the introduction of irrigation systems and the growth of cotton farming.
  • 1983: The Jackson County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1996: A tornado hits Altus, causing significant damage to the city.