History

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Guthrie, Oklahoma, sprang to life during the Land Run of 1889, transforming from open prairie to a bustling city in a single day. As Oklahoma's first capital, it quickly became a hub of culture and commerce, known for its elegant Victorian architecture and brick streets.

Though the capital moved to Oklahoma City in 1910, Guthrie remains a treasure trove of history. Now a National Historic Landmark District, it showcases one of the nation’s best-preserved collections of 19th and early 20th-century architecture, drawing visitors to its timeless charm and rich heritage.

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Frank Dale, who served as Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Territorial Supreme Court from 1893 to 1898, was a prominent figure in Guthrie's early history. After arriving in Guthrie during the Land Run of 1889, he quickly established himself as a leading attorney and civic leader. In 1902, Dale and his wife constructed an impressive Neo-Classical home at 201 N 13th Street, designed by architect J.H. Bennett, who also designed Guthrie's Carnegie Library.

The residence featured a grand ballroom on the third floor and showcased exquisite craftsmanship, including leaded glass windows, intricate woodwork, and multiple fireplaces. The property also included a carriage house, later remodeled into a detached garage and living space.

This historic home remains a testament to Judge Dale's significant contributions to Guthrie's legal and architectural heritage. In recent years, it has been repurposed as a bed and breakfast, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Oklahoma's territorial history firsthand.

Frank Dale - Wikipedia

Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907, uniting Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory after years of settlement and land runs. Guthrie, known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant culture, was named the first capital, reflecting the state’s early growth and promise. The town quickly became a hub of activity, with ornate buildings, theaters, and bustling commerce symbolizing the optimism of the new state.

In 1910, a statewide vote moved the capital to Oklahoma City due to its central location and growing infrastructure. The records were famously relocated under cover of night, solidifying Oklahoma City as the state’s political and economic center. Despite the shift, Guthrie retains its rich history and charm, celebrated today as a National Historic Landmark District and a window into Oklahoma’s colorful past.