05 Sep 10 Historic Sites in Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a city rich with history and cultural significance. From its early days as a small settlement to its role in the oil boom of the early 20th century, Tulsa has grown into a vibrant city with many historical sites that tell its story. Here are ten historic sites in Tulsa and the history behind them, explaining why they are famous and what they represent today.
1. The Brady Theater
Originally named the Tulsa Convention Hall, the Brady Theater was built in 1914 as a municipal auditorium. It was designed to host major events, including concerts, operas, and theater performances. One of the most notable aspects of the Brady Theater’s history is its role during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The venue was used as a detention center for Black residents during the violence, which targeted the Greenwood District, a prosperous Black neighborhood.
Later renamed to honor businessman Tate Brady, the theater’s name became controversial due to Brady’s ties to the Ku Klux Klan. In 2018, the theater was renamed the Tulsa Theater in an effort to reconcile with its past. Today, it remains a key performance venue in Tulsa, hosting various concerts and events while serving as a reminder of the city’s complex racial history.
2. Greenwood District and Black Wall Street
The Greenwood District, also known as “Black Wall Street,” was once one of the most prosperous African-American communities in the United States. Established in the early 20th century, Greenwood was home to thriving businesses, churches, schools, and cultural institutions. It became a symbol of Black economic independence and success during a time of intense segregation and racial discrimination.
However, in 1921, Greenwood was destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history. The massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the complete destruction of the neighborhood. Despite this tragedy, Greenwood’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience. Today, the Greenwood Rising museum and cultural centers commemorate the district’s rich history and the survivors’ strength.
3. The Boston Avenue Methodist Church
This church is an iconic example of Art Deco architecture, a style for which Tulsa is well-known. Completed in 1929, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church was designed by architects Bruce Goff and Adah Robinson. Its stunning tower and detailed stonework make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
The church is significant for its design and its role in Tulsa’s religious and social history. It remains an active place of worship and has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its architectural significance. Visitors to the church can admire its grandeur while learning about its place in Tulsa’s development during the oil boom years.
4. The Tulsa Union Depot
The Tulsa Union Depot, completed in 1931, is another prime example of Art Deco architecture in the city. Built during the height of the Great Depression, the depot was once a bustling transportation hub, connecting Tulsa to the rest of the country by train. The building’s grandeur reflected the prosperity that the oil industry brought to Tulsa during the early 20th century.
Though rail travel declined in the following decades, the Tulsa Union Depot has found new life as a cultural and arts center. It houses the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame today, paying tribute to the city’s rich musical history. The building itself remains a testament to Tulsa’s golden era and the role of transportation in the city’s growth.
5. Philbrook Museum of Art
Once the home of oil tycoon Waite Phillips, the Philbrook Museum of Art was donated to Tulsa in 1938. One of Tulsa’s most successful oilmen, Phillips constructed the lavish Italian Renaissance-style mansion in 1927. The estate includes beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Philbrook has since been transformed into a world-class museum, housing an impressive collection of European, American, and Native American art. Its historical significance stems not only from its architectural beauty and artistic holdings but also from its reflection of Tulsa’s oil barons’ wealth and cultural aspirations. Today, the Philbrook remains one of the city’s most visited cultural institutions, blending history, art, and natural beauty.
6. Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum was established by Thomas Gilcrease, another oilman, and art collector who had a deep appreciation for the history and culture of the American West. His personal collection of Native American art and artifacts is one of the most comprehensive in the world. In 1949, Gilcrease gifted his collection to the city of Tulsa and the museum with his name.
The Gilcrease Museum is renowned for its collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and historical manuscripts. It stands as a tribute to the cultures and histories of the people who lived in the region long before Tulsa became a city. As a major cultural institution, the museum continues educating visitors about the American West’s diverse heritage and its people.
7. Tulsa Cave House
The Tulsa Cave House, built in the 1920s, is one of the city’s quirkiest and most unique historic sites. Originally constructed as a prohibition-era speakeasy, the cave-like structure is said to have hidden tunnels and secret rooms where patrons could evade authorities during the nationwide alcohol ban. The building’s strange and whimsical design makes it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Although the building is now a private residence, the Tulsa Cave House’s peculiar history and mysterious ambiance have cemented its place in local folklore. Its story adds a touch of intrigue to Tulsa’s past, particularly its association with Prohibition and underground activities.
8. The Mayo Hotel
The Mayo Hotel, built in 1925, was one of the finest hotels in Tulsa during the city’s oil boom. It symbolized luxury and prosperity, attracting oil magnates, celebrities, and even U.S. Presidents. The grand, 18-story building was designed in a Neoclassical style, featuring opulent interiors that catered to Tulsa’s elite.
After falling into disrepair during the economic downturns of the late 20th century, the Mayo was restored in the 2000s and reopened as a boutique hotel. Its restoration was significant in Tulsa’s preservation efforts, showcasing the city’s commitment to maintaining its architectural heritage. Today, the Mayo Hotel continues to serve guests while preserving its legacy as a beacon of Tulsa’s oil-rich past.
9. The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum
The Tulsa Historical Society & Museum is housed in the historic Travis Mansion, built in 1919 by businessman Samuel Travis. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Tulsa’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. Its location in the Travis Mansion provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Tulsa’s early oil barons.
Visitors to the museum can learn about various aspects of Tulsa’s history, including its founding, the oil boom, and significant events like the Tulsa Race Massacre. The museum’s exhibits highlight the diverse cultures and communities that have shaped Tulsa, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the city’s past.
10. Woodward Park and Tulsa Garden Center
Woodward Park, established in the 1920s, is a 45-acre public park that has long been a cherished green space for Tulsa residents. The park features the Tulsa Garden Center, housed in the historic Snedden Mansion, built in 1919. The park and garden center serve as a horticultural education and recreation hub.
The rose garden, arboretum, and conservatory are highlights of the park, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Tulsa’s landscape design. The park’s civic space history and connection to Tulsa’s early 20th-century growth reflect the city’s commitment to creating and preserving green spaces for public enjoyment.
Conclusion
Tulsa’s historic sites serve as vital connections to the city’s rich and multifaceted past. Each location, from the remnants of Black Wall Street in the Greenwood District to the Art Deco brilliance of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, tells a unique story of Tulsa’s cultural, social, and architectural development. The tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre juxtaposed with the prosperity brought by the oil boom highlight the stark contrasts in the city’s history. These sites offer more than just a glimpse into the past—they reflect resilience, growth, and transformation.
Preserving places like the Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum, and Woodward Park ensures that Tulsa’s legacy is remembered and celebrated. These spaces also invite reflection on the challenges faced by its people, from economic triumphs to social injustices. By visiting these historic landmarks, one can witness the enduring spirit of Tulsa, a city that has continuously evolved while holding onto the essence of what shaped it.
As Tulsa continues to grow, these historic sites serve as reminders of the city’s journey, inspiring future generations to learn from its history. They offer a rich, diverse narrative that honors both the triumphs and trials of Tulsa’s past, keeping its stories alive while contributing to the city’s ongoing transformation.