Muskogee in Muskogee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Benjamin Wacoche Hall

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024

1. Benjamin Wacoche Hall Marker

Inscription. Wacoche Hall was Bacone College's first stand-alone dining hall built in 1924 thanks to a generous donation by its namesake Benjamin Wacoche, Creek, of Coweta, OK. The building was erected at a cost of $50,000, with $20,000 being donated by Benjamin Wacoche. Other donors include, Mr. Seman Jackson, Mrs. Amy Simpson and Mrs. Lena Alexander. The cornerstone was laid May 5, 1914 by Hon. S.E. Wallen, Superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes, and reads "Erected by the American Baptist Home Mission Society for Bacone College, Benjamin D. Weeks, President; Chas W. Dawson, Architect; James H. Reddick, Contractor." The dining hall accommodated 400 students. Wacoche was in use as the dining hall until 2004, when the dining hall was moved to Bacone Inn. In 1970, the basement was excavated to be turned into a social area for students. Today Wacoche Hall is used primarily for school events, City of Muskogee community activities, dances, and weddings. Inside this Collegiate Gothic-style building are three murals painted by students: "The Feast Ceremony" by George Kishketon, Kickapoo - a celebration of feasting, the singing of songs,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and fellowship after a successful hunt; "Ceremony of Fasting" - the ritual of the purification of the body of a young warrior venturing out upon his first war path - and "Prayer Attitudes" - procedures and attitudes of prayer during a ceremony of giving thanks to the "Great Spirit" - both by Calvin Larvie, Sioux.

Erected by Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1914.

Location. 35° 46.549′ N, 95° 20.067′ W. Marker is in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. It is on Old Bacone Road north of Daniel Rogers Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Muskogee OK 74403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation

and specifically in the Cherokee Nation.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024

2. Benjamin Wacoche Hall Marker

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Isaac McCoy Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Richard Memorial Hall (about 800 feet away); Milly Francis (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mackey's Salt Kettle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ataloa Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site Given to the American Baptist Home Mission Society (approx. 0.4 miles away); Founded as Indian University (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Davis (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskogee.

Additional commentary.
1. Bacone’s campus has seen multiple acts of vandalism and break-ins.
The Benjamin Wacoche Hall has had windows and glass doors broken, but is the first building targeted for renovation, so it can be rented out again for weddings and events to bring in some extra money.
The college has graduated generations

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024

3. Benjamin Wacoche Hall Marker

of Native American students but has filed for bankruptcy as its future remains in doubt.

— Submitted July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.