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

Ataloa Lodge

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024

1. Ataloa Lodge Marker

Inscription. Built and completed in 1932 as an art lodge, this pioneer-style building became a focal point for many college activities, as well as housing the college's extensive artifact collection as a museum for many years. The building was constructed through the joint efforts of then Bacone President Benjamin Weeks and Mary Stone McLendon, "Ataloa." After her death in 1967, the Board of Trustees renamed the building in her honor. McLendon planned and supervised the construction and every detail of the building. President Weeks and Mr. Roy Spinks, engineer, brought the first rocks to the campus for the building, and about 50 students stayed on campus during vacation splitting and hauling stones for the foundation. Much of the building was done by Bacone students under the supervision of H.H. Nieman, architect. The dominant feature of Ataloa Lodge is the interior fireplace built with 500 stones representing the vast geology and history of the United States, which were sent from locations that have historical Native American ties, including Sequoyah's home (father of the Cherokee Syllabary). The fireplace is among 10 Oklahoma artifacts

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to be recognized in 2014 as part of the Oklahoma Cultural Heritage Trust. The Trust refers to it as "a beautiful and artistic contribution to Oklahoma and stands as an everlasting message that Indian cultures are as embedded in the state's history as the stones in this historic fireplace." (Susan Feller, Oklahoma Department of Libraries)

Erected by Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 35° 46.671′ N, 95° 20.16′ W. Marker is in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. It is on Old Bacone Road east of Daniel Rogers Road, on the right when traveling east. 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,

and

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024

2. Ataloa Lodge & Marker

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: Milly Francis (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackey's Salt Kettle (within shouting distance of this marker); Isaac McCoy Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Richard Memorial Hall (about 600 feet away); Benjamin Wacoche Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site Given to the American Baptist Home Mission Society (approx. ¼ mile away); Founded as Indian University (approx. half a mile away); Fort Davis (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskogee.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.