National Register Listing

Farmers' Federation Elevator

Ohio Ave. and 4th St., Cherokee, OK
The Farmers' Co-op Elevator, of Cherokee, Oklahoma, is significant because it symbolizes the importance of wheat in Alfalfa County, insured the financial stability of Cherokee as the county seat, and is an example of advancing technology that used hollow red clay tile and brick as a more durable and "flexible" building material for permanent storage areas, than wood with its highly flammable nature and limited ability to form cylindrical bins that would increased storage capacity. Cherokee was plotted in 1901 and was named the county seat with the coming of statehood in 1907. Though contested for that position by the communities Ingersoll, Jet, and Carman, the people of Alfalfa County voted to keep Cherokee as the county seat because of its central location and more importantly because it was the railroad terminus of the county. Because of this the Farmers Co-op Elevator served as a storage area for farmers throughout the county who had access to the railroads. Because the holding capacity of the elevator increased from 15,000 'bushels to 40,000 bushels in 1921, this elevator gave farmers in the region more incentive to grow wheat because it insured protection for crops once they were harvested and gave bankers more collateral for farming loans thus increasing the financial base of the county seat and establishing wheat as the number one agricultural crop. Though the elevator is presently surrounded by newer ones, it's continued use speaks of its significance in making Cherokee a visible agricultural community.
Local significance of the structure:
Commerce; Architecture; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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 a place where people can make a difference in their community.
Brad Henry in Interview with Tulsa World
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kaw, who thrived in the region for centuries. In the 1800s, European settlers began arriving, drawn by the promise of land and fertile soil.

Alfalfa County was officially established in 1907, just a year after Oklahoma became a state. The county was named after the perennial forage crop, alfalfa, which is widely grown in the area. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with farmers using the fertile soil to grow crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton.

One significant event in Alfalfa County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 1900s. Oil wells were drilled, leading to a boom in the county's economy and population. The oil industry brought prosperity and development to the area, with the town of Carmen becoming a major oil hub.

However, like many other regions, Alfalfa County also faced challenges during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The economy suffered, and many farmers were forced to abandon their land. The Dust Bowl further exacerbated the situation, with severe droughts and dust storms devastating the agricultural sector.

Despite these challenges, Alfalfa County has persevered and continues to thrive. Today, the county remains primarily agricultural, with a focus on crop production and livestock farming. Many historic sites, such as the Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva, preserve the county's rich history for future generations to appreciate.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Alfalfa County is established, named after the crop grown in the area.
  • 1899 - The town of Cherokee is established as the county seat.
  • 1904 - The railroad reaches Alfalfa County, sparking growth and development.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression hits Alfalfa County, leading to a decline in population and economic hardships.
  • 1933 - The Dust Bowl affects Alfalfa County, causing severe drought and agricultural devastation.
  • 1940s - Alfalfa County sees a rebound in population and agriculture due to World War II demand.
  • 1950s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry in Alfalfa County.
  • 1960s-1970s - Tornadoes strike the area, causing damage and loss of life.
  • 2008 - An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 hits Alfalfa County, causing minor damage.
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