Opera Block
a.k.a. Cardinal Grocery
Main St., Westville, OKThe Opera Block is significant for its associations with Westville's period as Adair county seat and for its part as entertainment center during the era of traveling Vaudeville and Chautanquas made possible by the railroads.
Westville, now a town of 1,000, officially was established in 1895 as a trading center. Settlers had been in the area since the 1820s and trade centers had been established in Arkansas border towns. The military road from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, ran north of Westville and the stage route (east and west) ran just south of Westville. This gave Westville a strategic position for growth. Real growth came, however, when the Frisco Railroad and the Kansas City Southern Railroad came through Westville (ca 1902) making it a crossroads for rail traffic. Added prestige came when at statehood in 1907 Westville was designated county seat of Adair county.
The Opera Block was built in 1911-1912 in response to the need for commercial facilities, a county building and an entertainment hall. The north portion served as the county courthouse, the south portions as businesses and the second floor was the Opera House.
However, Westville's eminence was short lived. Stillwell protested Westville's designation as county seat. An election was held, Stillwell won by 13 votes and the county seat was changed. Live shows were held in the Opera House into the 1920s when their popularity dwindled both locally and nationally. The State highway from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Stillwell and Sallisaw, Oklahoma, bypassed Westville by one mile. When the railroads ceased to be a primary mode of passenger travel Westville's growth stopped. The Opera Block, along with the Buffington Hotel, remained as sole reminders of fast growth and equally fast decline.
Local significance of the building:
Westville, now a town of 1,000, officially was established in 1895 as a trading center. Settlers had been in the area since the 1820s and trade centers had been established in Arkansas border towns. The military road from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, ran north of Westville and the stage route (east and west) ran just south of Westville. This gave Westville a strategic position for growth. Real growth came, however, when the Frisco Railroad and the Kansas City Southern Railroad came through Westville (ca 1902) making it a crossroads for rail traffic. Added prestige came when at statehood in 1907 Westville was designated county seat of Adair county.
The Opera Block was built in 1911-1912 in response to the need for commercial facilities, a county building and an entertainment hall. The north portion served as the county courthouse, the south portions as businesses and the second floor was the Opera House.
However, Westville's eminence was short lived. Stillwell protested Westville's designation as county seat. An election was held, Stillwell won by 13 votes and the county seat was changed. Live shows were held in the Opera House into the 1920s when their popularity dwindled both locally and nationally. The State highway from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Stillwell and Sallisaw, Oklahoma, bypassed Westville by one mile. When the railroads ceased to be a primary mode of passenger travel Westville's growth stopped. The Opera Block, along with the Buffington Hotel, remained as sole reminders of fast growth and equally fast decline.
Commerce; Politics/government; Performing Arts
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.
Oklahoma is above all else a people place.
About Adair County
Adair County Timeline
Adair County, located in eastern Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Cherokee, and Shawnee. These tribes utilized the fertile land along the Illinois River for agriculture and established prosperous communities.
In the early 1800s, several Cherokee families from the southeastern United States were forcibly relocated to the area as part of the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation, led by Chief John Ross, established a government and infrastructure in what is now Adair County. Throughout the 19th century, the Cherokee Nation flourished and played a significant role in the regional economy.
During the American Civil War, Adair County saw its fair share of conflict. The Cherokee Nation, divided in its allegiances, experienced internal strife as some Cherokee supported the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. The county became a battleground for various skirmishes throughout the war, leaving behind a lasting impact on the local communities.
After the Civil War, Adair County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The Cherokee Nation began rebuilding its infrastructure, including schools, churches, and businesses. Agriculture became a major industry, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth and connected Adair County to other parts of the state.
Today, Adair County continues to thrive as a rural area known for its natural beauty and proud Native American heritage. The county remains closely tied to its Cherokee roots, with cultural events and celebrations honoring the tribe's history. Adair County's diverse past, from Native American settlements to the struggles of the Civil War, has shaped its identity and contributes to its vibrant and evolving community.
In the early 1800s, several Cherokee families from the southeastern United States were forcibly relocated to the area as part of the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation, led by Chief John Ross, established a government and infrastructure in what is now Adair County. Throughout the 19th century, the Cherokee Nation flourished and played a significant role in the regional economy.
During the American Civil War, Adair County saw its fair share of conflict. The Cherokee Nation, divided in its allegiances, experienced internal strife as some Cherokee supported the Union while others sided with the Confederacy. The county became a battleground for various skirmishes throughout the war, leaving behind a lasting impact on the local communities.
After the Civil War, Adair County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The Cherokee Nation began rebuilding its infrastructure, including schools, churches, and businesses. Agriculture became a major industry, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth and connected Adair County to other parts of the state.
Today, Adair County continues to thrive as a rural area known for its natural beauty and proud Native American heritage. The county remains closely tied to its Cherokee roots, with cultural events and celebrations honoring the tribe's history. Adair County's diverse past, from Native American settlements to the struggles of the Civil War, has shaped its identity and contributes to its vibrant and evolving community.
Adair County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adair County, Oklahoma.
- 1905 - Adair County is established as part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma.
- 1828 - The area that is now Adair County is part of the Cherokee Nation's territory.
- 1835 - The Treaty of New Echota forces the Cherokee Nation to give up their land east of the Mississippi River, including parts of present-day Adair County.
- 1839 - The Cherokee Trail of Tears takes place, with thousands of Cherokee people forcibly relocated to present-day Oklahoma.
- 1851 - The Cherokee Nation establishes the Goingsnake District, which includes parts of present-day Adair County.
- 1900s - The discovery of rich coal deposits in Adair County leads to an increase in mining activity and population growth.
- 1916 - The town of Stilwell is incorporated and becomes the county seat of Adair County.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Adair County, resulting in economic hardship for many residents.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and improved transportation infrastructure facilitates economic development and growth in Adair County.
- 2000s - Adair County continues to be a predominantly rural area, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy.
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