Hey friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, we’re talking about historical markers in Stillwater, OK. I talked my sister into helping me find some of these signs and we had a lot of un!

*All photos in this post were taken by myself in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Historical Markers in this Post:

• David L. Payne Memorial
• Stillwater Fire Station No. 1
• Oklahoma A&M College
• Last “Boomer” Town
• Boundary Line
• See “Concluding Thoughts” for my blog posts about more historical sites and museums you should check out in Stillwater, OK!

David L. Payne Memorial

VISIT: Boomer Lake Park at Washington Street and Lakeview in Stillwater. (Diagonal from the gas station)

Monument for Capt. David L. Payne. He was responsible for the Oklahoma Boomer movement in 1879 which eventually led to the Land Run on April 22, 1889 for the “Unassigned Lands.” Did you know Payne County in Oklahoma was named for him?

Stillwater Fire Station No. 1

VISIT: 120 E 9th Ave, Stillwater, OK 74074

TRAVEL TIP: This historical marker sits right outside of Balanced Coffee which happens to be one of my favorite coffee shops to visit when I’m in Stillwater! The atmosphere is really nice and everyone is so friendly!

“In the early 1930s, an innovative and motivated group of men led by Stillwater Fire Chief J. Ray Pence met and discussed the lack of quality fire service training and materials in the United States, particularly in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. In July 1934, a group of educators and fire service leaders met in this building to draft a series of training manuals to be published ‘as economically as possible while providing thorough and valid information about fire fighting.’ The manuals were subsequently published and distributed by Oklahoma A & M College (Oklahoma State University).”

“This initial meeting and subsequent meetings continuing on a yearly basis, launched what would become the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Headquartered at Oklahoma State University, IFSTA is the world’s largest publisher of fire training materials. This nonprofit, volunteer organization, with participants from around the world, continues to grow while maintaining an awareness of its founders and those who contributed to its growth and success. The contributions of Chief J. Ray Pence, Professor W. Fred Heisler, and Professor R.J. Douglas will always be remembered.”

“IFTSA and the fire-related academic, extension, and research efforts of the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology were all products of these insightful leaders as they met and worked in this historic place.”

“Erected and dedicated this 23th day of July, 1997, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Stillwater Fire Department. Erected by the International Fire Service Training Association, Oklahoma State University Fire Service Programs, and the City of Stillwater Fire Department.” (Stillwater Fire Station No. 1 Historical Marker Sign)

Oklahoma A&M College

VISIT: South Main Street, near south edge of Stillwater. Next to Last “Boomer” Town Historical Marker.

“Serves the State by instruction, experimentation and extension service. Established Dec. 25, 1890, by First Legislative Assembly of Oklahoma Ter. Prairie broken for experimental farm, 1891. ‘Old Central’ dedicated, 1894. Extension division established, 1915.” (Oklahoma A and M College Historical Marker Sign)

Last “Boomer” Town

VISIT: South Main Street, near south edge of Stillwater. Next to Oklahoma A & M Historical Marker.

About 3/4 mi. east

“Here 300 armed ‘boomers’ made their last stand for settlement of the Oklahoma country led by Wm. L. Couch; and surrendered to U.S. Cavalry troops commanded by Col. E. Hatch, Jan. 26, 1885. On this site, the ‘boomers’ had built log cabins and dugouts for their town of Stillwater founded by them on Dec. 12, 1884.” (Last “Boomer” Town Historical Marker Sign)

Boundary Line

VISIT: Intersection of Ranch Street and Washington Avenue in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

1889 and 1893

“On April 22, 1889, the Run for land south in Old Oklahoma began on this line, by Proclamation of Pres. Benj. Harrison. Also, on Sept. 16, 1893, the Run for land north in the Cherokee Outlet began on this line, by Proclamation of Pres. Cleveland. At Booth No. 1, site 3/4 mi. east, thousands registered for the Run in 1893.” (Boundary Line Historical Marker Sign)

Concluding Thoughts

It took me several trips, but I think I finally found all of the historical marker signs in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was super fun trying to track them all down! I hope you learned something new in this post and are inspired to go find some historical markers near you!

Happy Traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂

If you are interested in more Stillwater history, historic sites, or museums check out my other blog posts:

• Dr. Angie Debo Statue: Stillwater, OK
• Old Central @ OSU: Stillwater, OK
• Nancy Randolph Davis Statue: Stillwater, OK
• Heritage Hall (OSU Sports Museum): Stillwater, OK
• OSU ROTC Thatcher Hall Air Park: Stillwater, OK
• Stillwater Museum of History at the Sheerar: Stillwater, OK
• OSU Museum of Art: Stillwater, OK

Sources

*Historical Markers in Stillwater, Oklahoma

OHS Historical Marker Program (Payne County) – Oklahoma Historical Society Website