Busby Theatre
a.k.a. Church of Christ
Washington Ave. and 2nd St., McAlester, 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.
The first land run in Oklahoma took place on April 22, 1889, when more than 50,000 people rushed to claim free land in the Unassigned Lands, which had been opened up for settlement by the federal government.
The county was officially established in 1907, the same year as Oklahoma gained statehood. It was named after the city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, a major center of the steel industry that played a significant role in the economic development of the area.
One of the major industries in the county was coal mining, which began in the late 19th century and thrived until the mid-20th century. The abundance of coal in the region attracted numerous mining companies and immigrant workers from Europe, particularly from Italy and Eastern Europe. The growth of the coal industry led to the establishment of numerous coal towns and the rapid urbanization of the area.
In the early 1900s, the county also experienced a boom in natural gas production, providing energy for both local industries and the state. This, coupled with the growth of the coal and railroad industries, led to Pittsburg County becoming a major economic hub in southeastern Oklahoma.
Today, Pittsburg County continues to be influenced by its diverse cultural heritage and historic industries. While the coal and natural gas industries have declined in recent years, the county has shifted its focus to other economic sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and opportunities for economic development, making it an important part of Oklahoma's history and future.
Pittsburg County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma.
- 1850: Pittsburg County area inhabited by Choctaw Nation
- 1890: Land run attracts European American settlers
- 1907: Oklahoma declared state; Pittsburg County established
- 1910s: Coal mining industry grows rapidly
- 1920: Completion of railroad line boosts economy
- 1930s: Great Depression impacts coal mining industry
- 1940s: World War II brings economic growth to the county
- 1950s-1960s: Highways built for better transportation
- 1970s: Decline in coal mining industry
- 1980s-1990s: Diversification of economy; growth in healthcare and manufacturing sectors
- 2000s: Focus on eco-tourism and outdoor recreation as an economic driver