Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Castle on the Hill - Its Design
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
1. Castle on the Hill — Its Design Marker
Northwestern’s first building was designed by Joseph Foucart, the first professional architect in Oklahoma; however, the castle-like character of the building is believed to have evolved under the influence of the school’s president, James E. Ament. The base of the building was 157x122 feet. Turrets, battlements and towers dominated the exterior design. The foundation was of white limestone, the wall of red brick. The central section of the building rose three stories, while each of two wings was two stories high. At the main entrance, massive oak doors opened to a solid stone vestibule. Grand oak stairways led to the upper floors. Bronze statues stood on elegantly designed newel posts, and other classical statuary was displayed in various parts of the building. The first floor contained several classrooms but was dominated by a large assembly hall measuring 85x70 feet and having an arched ceiling 25 feet high. The library with a large colonial fireplace was also on the first floor, as were three rooms for the president’s office. Science classrooms and laboratories were on the second floor, while halls used by two literary
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Erected 2014 by Northwestern Oklahoma State University Historical Preservation Task Force.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education.
Location. 36° 47.823′ N, 98° 40.019′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oklahoma Boulevard (U.S. 64) and College Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker, on the Castle on the Hill Monument, is located on the Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus, on the north side of the Jesse Dunn building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 709 Oklahoma Boulevard, Alva OK 73717, 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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Castle on the Hill - Its Design Marker
This is the 2nd from the left of four historical markers mounted on the Castle on the Hill Monument. The middle 14 vertical bricks on each wing of the monument are original bricks from the Castle on the Hill.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone (here, next to this marker); Castle on the Hill — Its Approval (here, next to this marker); Castle on the Hill — Its Destruction (here, next to this marker); Jesse Dunn Hall (a few steps from this marker); Carter Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Herod Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); ΦΛΧ Commemorates Veterans of Foreign Wars from Northwestern State College (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nathan Boone (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alva.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Castle on the Hill
Also see . . .
1. Castle on the Hill (okielegacy.net).
(includes an aerial photo) Excerpt: (The following information is from the book, "Alva, Oklahoma First 100 years - 1886-1986" - ISBN-0-88108-075-0, by Seekers of Oklahoma Heritage Association & printed by Curtis Media Corporation in 1987.)(Submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20243. The Castle on the HillThis illustration of the Castle on the Hill is also mounted on the monument.
Dr. Ament, a widely traveled man and educator, furnished the inspiration for the building, assisting the architect. Dr. Ament had visited one of the old Norman castles in France and used the general outline for the college building.
The building was first condemned as a folly due to its appearance but was later herald as a masterpiece of architectural beauty. The building was constructed of native red brick. It was Dr. Ament's plan to reproduce the gigantic castle he had seen in France. However, the huge 3 story school with its towers and turrets with battlements was to be only one wing of the structure and Dr. Ament's vision was never realized even though he carried it with him all his life, even when he left Alva.
According to the initial plans the cost was to have been $86,018 but the building actually cost $110,000. The magnificent structure was scorned as the "Prairie Prince's Plight," by thousands.
2. Joseph Pierre Foucart (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Joseph Pierre Foucart (1848–1917) was a prominent architect during the opening of the(Submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Oklahoma Territory. He was the first architect to establish a practice in Oklahoma. He was born in Arlon, Belgium. He studied at the Royal Athenaeum in Arlon, Belgium, and studied civil engineering and architecture at Ghent, graduating in 1865. He worked as a civil engineer, and served in the French Army during the Franco-Prussian War. He oversaw the construction of the castle of Viere and assisted the architect for the King of Belgium. In 1880 he relocated to Paris and served as draftsman for the City Hall. He immigrated to the United States in 1888 and settled in Oklahoma within two months of the Land Rush of 1889.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20244. Castle on the Hill MonumentLooking south; the Jesse Dunn building is in the background. It is today's NWOSU main building, located on the site of the former "Castle on the Hill."His building designs were influenced by the French architect Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. The Guthrie, Oklahoma buildings Foucart designed include the Bonfils Building, DeFord Building, Gaffney Building, Gray Brother's Building, State Capital Publishing Company Building, Victor Block and the Foucart Building. He also designed the First National Bank and Trust Company in Perry, Oklahoma, the "Castle on the Hill" at the Northwestern State Normal School in Alva and the Williams Hall library at Oklahoma State University.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
