National Register Listing

Platt National Park Historic District

a.k.a. Sulphur Springs Reservation; Travertine, Platt District, Chickasaw Nat. Recreation Area

OK 7 at US 177, Sulpher, OK
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Architecture; Conservation; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

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 Oklahoma City bombing, which occurred on April 19, 1995, was one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in United States history. The bombing killed 168 people and injured more than 500 others.
Oklahoma random facts
Murray County, located in south-central Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek tribes. These tribes lived off the land and established thriving communities before European settlers arrived.

In the early 19th century, the United States government pursued a policy of Indian Removal, which resulted in the forced displacement of many Native American tribes. The Chickasaw tribe, who occupied the land that would become Murray County, were relocated to present-day Oklahoma as part of this policy. They eventually settled in the area permanently and established their own government.

Murray County was officially founded in 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. It was named after William H. Murray, a prominent politician and the first Speaker of the House for the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention. The county quickly developed into an agricultural hub, with farming and ranching becoming the primary industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further fueled the county's economic growth.

Over the years, Murray County has experienced both challenges and successes. The Great Depression hit the area hard, causing many farms to fail and leading to widespread poverty. However, with the advent of World War II and subsequent economic recovery, the county experienced a resurgence. Today, Murray County is known for its natural beauty, including the Arbuckle Mountains and many recreational areas. The county continues to thrive through a combination of agriculture, tourism, and small businesses.

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

  • 1907: Murray County is established as part of the state of Oklahoma.
  • 1911: The town of Sulphur is incorporated.
  • 1920: The area sees an oil boom, leading to rapid growth and economic development.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the area, causing significant economic hardship.
  • 1940s: Murray County becomes a popular tourist destination due to the natural beauty of its springs and parklands.
  • 1960s: The area experiences another economic boom with the discovery of additional oil and gas reserves.
  • 1970s: The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located in Murray County, is established.
  • 1980s: The area expands its tourism industry, attracting visitors for outdoor activities and cultural events.
  • 2000s: Efforts are made to preserve and promote the rich Native American heritage and culture of the Chickasaw Nation.