National Register Listing

Washington, Bill, Ranchhouse

a.k.a. William E. Washington Home

About 4 mi. SW of Marietta, Marietta, OK
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

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.

The world's first installed parking meter was in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935.
Oklahoma random facts
Love County, Oklahoma, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally home to several indigenous tribes, including the Caddo and Wichita tribes, who thrived on the fertile lands along the Red River. European explorers began to arrive in the region in the 16th century, including Spanish explorers who documented their encounters with the Native American tribes.

In the late 1700s, the region that would become Love County was part of the Louisiana Purchase and later the Indian Territory. During this time, conflicts arose between Native American tribes and European settlers, leading to the relocation of many tribes to reservations. The Chickasaw Nation played a significant role during the settlement of the area and became the predominant tribal government in the region.

The county itself was established in 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. It was named after Overton Love, a prominent lawyer and politician. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to the county, with several oil fields being established. The population of Love County increased rapidly during this period as people flocked to the area in search of employment and opportunities.

Today, Love County is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Murray State Park and the Red River, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike. The county also has a thriving agricultural industry, with cattle ranching and farming being major contributors to the local economy. Love County continues to be a vibrant community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.

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

  • 1844: Love County is organized as part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory.
  • 1891: The Curtis Act is passed, which leads to the dissolution of the Chickasaw Nation and the opening of the area to non-Indian settlement.
  • 1907: Love County becomes part of the state of Oklahoma upon statehood.
  • 1908: The first county courthouse is built in Marietta.
  • 1930s: Love County is heavily impacted by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
  • 1943: The U.S. Army establishes Camp Doniphan, a training site for soldiers during World War II, near Fort Sill, which contributes to the local economy.
  • 1984: Oil and natural gas production becomes a significant industry in Love County.
  • 1995: The Winstar World Casino, operated by the Chickasaw Nation, opens in Thackerville, becoming a major attraction and source of revenue for the county.
  • 2010: Love County has a population of approximately 9,423 people.