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Oklahoma has officially added two new properties to the prestigious National Register of Historic Places, increasing its total listings to nearly 1,500 sites. These newly recognized landmarks reflect the state’s rich architectural legacy and its history of cultural resilience.
Van-Sanford Apartments: A 1929 Oil Boom Legacy Revived
Located in Seminole, the Van-Sanford Apartments were the first permanent housing structures built during the early 20th-century oil boom.
Constructed in 1929, the two-story red brick complex showcased Jacobethan-style architecture and featured luxury amenities more commonly found in big cities at the time, according to the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Office.
After sustaining tornado damage in 2022, the property faced imminent demolition. Thanks to preservation efforts, it is now undergoing renovation and will soon welcome new tenants, preserving a crucial piece of Seminole’s housing history.
Moton School Campus: A Symbol of Black Community Resilience
The second property added is the Moton School Campus Historic District, situated in the All-Black town of Taft in Muskogee County. Originally built in 1949, the school served as a vital educational hub and remains a community gathering space to this day.
According to the Historic Preservation Office, the Moton School Campus stands as a testament to “racial fulfillment and self-realization” during the Jim Crow era, highlighting the strength and independence of Oklahoma’s Black communities.
Federal Support Fuels Preservation Efforts
Both historic sites benefited from National Park Service funding—which supported the renovation of the Van-Sanford Apartments and the survey of the Moton School Campus. These efforts are part of broader preservation goals led by the State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Why the National Register Matters
The National Register of Historic Places serves as a key resource for identifying and preserving the nation’s cultural landmarks. As outlined in the June 2025 edition of “Oklahoma’s National Register Handbook,” the register guides federal, state, and local entities—as well as private groups and individuals—in protecting and integrating historic preservation into future planning.
The inclusion of the Van-Sanford Apartments and the Moton School Campus on the National Register not only honors Oklahoma’s diverse history, but also ensures that future generations can experience and learn from these architectural and cultural milestones.
Their preservation highlights the ongoing commitment to safeguarding historical integrity while preparing these spaces for modern use and community impact.