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 dwtaylor999
  
Location: Unassigned Lands, Oklahoma
Gender: Male
 |  | Forgotten Hopewell
< on 4/10/2011 6:53 AM >
|  | | | Though there were several land rushes into the Oklahoma Territory, the largest was September 16th, 1893 at high noon. More than 100,000 people where lined up for 6.5 million acres available for homesteading with lots of 160 acres each.
In order to keep their land, certain criteria had to be met. The settlers could not already own more than 160 acres in any other state or territory, they had to be a citizen of the United States or have filed intentions to become a citizen, and they had to be head of household or over 21 years of age. In addition, they had to have residence and a house upon the land within six months and cultivate the land continuously for five years.
Many new towns and communities where established during the runs, only to fade away in later years. Hopewell was just such a place. The community was established just after the 1893 run, and like all these initial settlements, had hopes of creating something more. Hopewell built their own school in 1906 and established one of the only "permanent" cemeteries in the area, It was never to be however, as neither the railroads nor "highways" ever passed anywhere near the community. People began moving to the neighboring towns of Pawnee, Skedee, and Ralston, though the school remained, serving the local farming community. By 1947, the school had closed and by 1950, the cemetery lay untended and forgotten. Eventually, even the county road that passed by the cemetery and school was abandoned and is now pasture land.
The cemetery was about 1/4 mile off the existing road. The oldest grave I could find was from 1897.
The school was about another half mile further down on top of a small rocky hill. If I looked closely, I could see where the road had once been.
The school was made from local sandstone, though well built, it wasn't the work of professional stonemasons.
The old "cave"
The only sign of civilization out here were these power lines running close to the old school.
The old well.
These stones where at the rear of the school and I'm assuming where part of an old fence.
The interior showed evidence of fire. It could have burnt during one of the many grass fires that occurred through the years.
The main entrance.
The side entrance.
The remnants of student's initials where all over the old building.
An old picture of the school from 1906.
It was a pain to get to, but worth it. I can see why they built the school where they did, it was a great view, though hard country.
Ruins, the fate of all cities. |
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nutekk
    
Location: Central NJ
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Forgotten Hopewell
<Reply # 1 on 4/10/2011 10:23 PM >
| | | | i'm loving these posts! the history and updated photos are uber awesome. keep em comin !!!
cheers !
" Take only pictures, leave only footprints" |
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