The hills of Osage Nation have quite a few tales to be told. From cowboys and Indians to cattlemen and oilmen, the stories of the Osage Hills could fill several history books. Legends exist of a “Little Las Vegas” that thrived back in the day, along with many card cheats that still remain buried in the hills of Osage. Beyond all the hearsay that has endured, we do know for certain what some of the Osage land was used for.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns In 1917, the Osage tribe adopted an emergency war resolution providing oil leases to the Department of the Navy during WWI. Over 5,000 acres were selected and named the “Naval Reserve.” The lease was considered “unsuitable” and never utilized; it was returned 10 years later.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns The Osage nation then leased the field for development in 1928 to oil companies. The remains of a school built by the oil company are being overtaken by nature.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns Although the town conditions were primitive, it was at the height of the Great Depression, and people were glad for the work.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns During that time period, the oil companies would build small towns for the workers, which were very family oriented and tightly knit communities. The foundations are all that are left of some of the buildings.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns The walls have been stripped off and the frame is all that remains.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns This appears to be the inside of the gymnasium of the school that was built on the land.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns This home is decaying away.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns There is so much history that lies in those hills.
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns Many pieces of machinery still lay on the grounds of the former “Naval Reserve.”
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns The children in the community attended school in the town. The school and playground are abandoned, along with all the other structures.
Check out this fascinating video by Oklahoma Ghost Towns to get a tour and to learn more about its past:
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Oklahoma Ghost Towns
In 1917, the Osage tribe adopted an emergency war resolution providing oil leases to the Department of the Navy during WWI. Over 5,000 acres were selected and named the “Naval Reserve.” The lease was considered “unsuitable” and never utilized; it was returned 10 years later.
The Osage nation then leased the field for development in 1928 to oil companies. The remains of a school built by the oil company are being overtaken by nature.
Although the town conditions were primitive, it was at the height of the Great Depression, and people were glad for the work.
During that time period, the oil companies would build small towns for the workers, which were very family oriented and tightly knit communities. The foundations are all that are left of some of the buildings.
The walls have been stripped off and the frame is all that remains.
This appears to be the inside of the gymnasium of the school that was built on the land.
This home is decaying away.
There is so much history that lies in those hills.
Many pieces of machinery still lay on the grounds of the former “Naval Reserve.”
The children in the community attended school in the town. The school and playground are abandoned, along with all the other structures.
What stories have you heard about the former oil Naval Reserve in Osage Nation? Have you ever visited this abandoned site?
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