Ponca City in Kay County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes

Founder of Ponca City

— 1844-1906 —

Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024

1. Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes Marker

Inscription.
Vision
When B.S. Barnes came to Oklahoma Territory prior to the 1893 Land Run, he had a vision to start a city. He selected the site of Ponca City for its ample water, a river crossing and access to the railroad. He organized the “Ponca Townsite Company,” and sold $2 chances on lots to the settlers gathered to make the land run. At noon, September 16, 1893, the signal gun was fired, and the race for free land began.

Tenacity
Barnes chose an area where he wanted his city and hired surveyors to lay it out, staking the corners of each city lot. Northwest of Barnes' chosen area was Cross, a town assigned by the government for settlement. The railroad stopped in Cross, but Barnes wanted it to stop in Ponca. With a few friends, in the dark of night, he moved the Cross depot to Ponca City. Then, the train stopped here.

Character
The early successes of Ponca City are due to the foresight, excellent judgment, indomitable will and untiring effort of B.S. Barnes. In all the difficulties, Mr. Barnes never faltered as a leader. The citizens always had confidence in his ability and integrity and, five days after the run, they elected him

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as their first mayor.

Erected by Ponca City Rotary Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1893.

Location. 36° 42.203′ N, 97° 4.691′ W. Marker is in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in Kay County. It is on Grand Avenue East (Business U.S. 60) just east of South 5th Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located near the sidewalk and directly in front of the Ponca City Hall building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 516 Grand Avenue East, Ponca City OK 74601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

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,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and Cherokee Outlet.

Other nearby markers. At

Marker detail: Burton Seymour Barnes image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Burton Seymour Barnes

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oklahoma Centennial Bench (here, next to this marker); Ponca City World War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); E. W. Marland (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. W.T. Oates (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponca City Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Haines (Lew) Wentz (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomery Ward Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Post Office and Court House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponca City.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes

Also see . . .
1. Ponca City (Oklahoma Historical Society).

Excerpt: Ponca City was founded on September 16, 1893, during the Cherokee Outlet Opening. Burton Seymour Barnes organized the Ponca Townsite Company and sold twenty-three hundred townsite certificates at two dollars each. Originally known as New Ponca, the town was incorporated on December 19, 1893, and the post office was established on January

3. Marker detail: First City Hall
It was located at Grand Avenue & Sixth Street.
12, 1894. A school opened on November 16, 1893, and the first two high school students graduated in May 1895.
On September 22, 1894, the first train arrived in Ponca City, much to the dismay of Cross residents. Soon two hotels and many homes were moved from Cross to Ponca City, and eventually Cross became nonexistent. The town's name was changed from New Ponca to Ponca City on October 23, 1913

(Submitted on December 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Burton Seymour Barnes (Find A Grave).

(Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma, USA) Excerpt: Burton Seymour Barnes (B.S.) was born September 19, 1844 in Lapeer County, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan from 1865 to 1868. B.S. was married to Louise Mary Gilbert. They had three children. All were born in Michigan and raised in Ponca City. The family home was at the corner of Grand Avenue and Sixth Street. Barnes died in Ponca City on November 21, 1906 at age 62.

(Submitted on December 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Downtown Ponca City image. Click for full size.

4. Marker detail: Downtown Ponca City

Notice the early City Hall in the background.

Marker detail: Early Santa Fe Depot image. Click for full size.

5. Marker detail: Early Santa Fe Depot

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024

6. Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes Marker

Looking south from Grand Avenue East; Ponca City Hall is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.