National Register Listing

Cordell Carnegie Public Library

a.k.a. Washita County Historical Museum

105 E. First St., Cordell, OK
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

education architecture library
Oklahoma is the only state in the United States whose name is derived from a Native American word. "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people."
Oklahoma random facts
Washita County, located in the state of Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back many centuries. Prior to European settlement, the land that would become Washita County was inhabited by Indigenous tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne. These tribes relied on the region's bountiful natural resources for sustenance and traded with neighboring tribes.

In the 1800s, the area saw an influx of settlers as the United States government sought to encourage westward expansion. The 1862 Homestead Act attracted many pioneers to the region, with several families establishing small farms and ranches along the Washita River. The establishment of stagecoach routes and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated the growth and development of the county.

Washita County experienced some significant historical events during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1868, the Battle of Washita River occurred, in which the U.S. Army, led by General George Armstrong Custer, attacked a Cheyenne village along the river. This event marked a brutal chapter in the history of Indigenous relations with the U.S. government.

Throughout the 20th century, Washita County continued to evolve. Agriculture remained a key economic driver, with wheat, cotton, and cattle being important commodities. The discovery of oil and gas in the county in the 1920s brought further economic growth and development. Today, Washita County is a thriving community that strives to honor its past while embracing a future of progress and prosperity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washita County, Oklahoma.

  • 1892 - Washita County is established as one of the original counties in Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1893 - The first county seat is established in Cloud Chief.
  • 1901 - The town of Cordell becomes the new county seat.
  • 1905 - The Washita National Bank is established in Cordell.
  • 1909 - A jail is constructed in Cordell to accommodate the growing population.
  • 1920 - Oil is discovered in Washita County, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression hits, causing significant economic hardships for the county.
  • 1940 - The population of Washita County reaches its peak of over 16,000 residents.
  • 1950 - The Washita County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1960 - The construction of Foss Lake and Washita National Wildlife Refuge provides recreational opportunities for residents.
  • 1970 - Washita County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • 1995 - A tornado strikes Cordell, causing widespread damage and destruction.
  • 2010 - The population of Washita County declines to around 11,500 residents.