Santa Fe Depot
Main St. and Minnesota Ave., Shawnee, OK Local significance of the building: Commerce; Transportation; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
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. The parking meter was invented by Carl C. Magee, a journalist and entrepreneur, who wanted to solve the problem of cars taking up too much space on the city's streets.
About Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County Timeline
Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and complex history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Kickapoo, who relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and farming.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the area. The Treaty of 1832 between the United States and the Potawatomi Nation ceded the land to the US government, leading to the establishment of a reservation for the Native American tribes. However, pressure from the government and white settlers eventually led to the forced removal of the tribes to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma, through what is known as the Trail of Death.
With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development. The towns of Shawnee and Tecumseh, located in Pottawatomie County, became important trading and agricultural centers. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, particularly in cotton and wheat production.
The county also witnessed key historical events, such as the 1909 hanging of outlaw A.C. (Al) Miller, who was convicted of murder and robbery. In the early 20th century, Pottawatomie County played a role in the fight for civil rights. The county was home to Clara Luper, an influential civil rights leader who organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in Oklahoma City.
Today, Pottawatomie County continues to evolve and thrive. It is a diverse and growing community, with a strong connection to its Native American heritage and a rich agricultural tradition. The county attracts visitors with its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural festivities, making it a fascinating place to explore the intersection of the past and present.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the area. The Treaty of 1832 between the United States and the Potawatomi Nation ceded the land to the US government, leading to the establishment of a reservation for the Native American tribes. However, pressure from the government and white settlers eventually led to the forced removal of the tribes to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma, through what is known as the Trail of Death.
With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development. The towns of Shawnee and Tecumseh, located in Pottawatomie County, became important trading and agricultural centers. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, particularly in cotton and wheat production.
The county also witnessed key historical events, such as the 1909 hanging of outlaw A.C. (Al) Miller, who was convicted of murder and robbery. In the early 20th century, Pottawatomie County played a role in the fight for civil rights. The county was home to Clara Luper, an influential civil rights leader who organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in Oklahoma City.
Today, Pottawatomie County continues to evolve and thrive. It is a diverse and growing community, with a strong connection to its Native American heritage and a rich agricultural tradition. The county attracts visitors with its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural festivities, making it a fascinating place to explore the intersection of the past and present.
Pottawatomie County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.
- 1832 - Pottawatomie County is established as part of Indian Territory after the Treaty of Tippecanoe.
- 1861 - Unassigned Lands in the county are appointed as a designated reservation for the displaced Pottawatomie and other Native American tribes.
- 1871 - The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad is constructed, connecting Pottawatomie County to other parts of the region.
- 1891 - Land runs occur in the county, attracting thousands of settlers who claim the unassigned lands.
- 1895 - Shawnee becomes the county seat of Pottawatomie County.
- 1934 - The Pottawatomie Tribe officially organizes and establishes a tribal government.
- 1949 - The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma purchases land in Pottawatomie County and establishes the Kickapoo Reservation.
- 1958 - The Citizen Potawatomi Nation purchases land and establishes the CPN Tribal Jurisdictional Area within the county.
- 1983 - The CPN's FireLake Casino opens, becoming an important economic and cultural center for the area.
- 2000 - Pottawatomie County experiences significant population growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in Oklahoma.