First National Bank and Trust Company Building
300 W. 6th St., Perry, OK Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
Woody Guthrie, a folk singer and songwriter, was born in Oklahoma and wrote many songs about the struggles of farmers and migrant workers during the Great Depression. His most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land," has become a kind of unofficial anthem of the United States.
The first European explorers arrived in the area in the early 1800s. These explorers, including Zebulon Pike and Thomas Nuttall, noted the fertile land and abundant wildlife present in Noble County. In the 1820s, the federal government began negotiating treaties with the local tribes, eventually leading to the forced removal of most Native Americans from the area.
Following the Dawes Act of 1887, which aimed to assimilate Native Americans and open up their lands for settlement, the land in what is now Noble County was opened for homesteading. Settlers began to flood into the area, attracted by the promise of free land and the opportunity for a new life on the frontier.
As more settlers arrived, towns and communities began to spring up across Noble County. Perry, the county seat, was established in 1893 and soon became a bustling hub for trade and agriculture. Other towns, such as Red Rock, Billings, and Morrison, also began to grow and develop during this time.
Today, Noble County is known for its agriculture and oil production. The fertile soil makes it a prime location for farming, and many residents continue to work in the agricultural industry. Additionally, the county has seen a boom in oil production, with numerous oil wells dotting the landscape. Despite its small population, Noble County remains an important and vibrant part of Oklahoma's history and economy.
Noble County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Noble County, Oklahoma.
- 1893 - Noble County is established by the U.S. Congress as part of the Oklahoma Territory
- 1894 - Land run encourages settlement in Noble County
- 1895 - County government is organized and Perry is established as the county seat
- Early 1900s - Oil and gas discoveries bring prosperity to Noble County
- 1914 - The Blackwell Zinc Smelter begins operation, becoming a major employer in the county
- 1920s - The Great Depression leads to a decline in the county's economy
- 1930s - The Works Progress Administration (WPA) helps to revive the county's economy through various infrastructure projects
- 1940s-1950s - Noble County experiences post-war growth and industrial development
- 1960s-1980s - Agriculture remains an important industry in Noble County
- 1990s-present - The county continues to experience growth and development in various sectors, including oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing