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

Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

1. Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone Marker

Inscription.
Work on the new building was so far advanced by July 1, 1898, that town leaders formed a committee to plan a major celebration for the laying of the cornerstone. The entire population got into the spirit of the occasion. Stores were decorated with flags and bunting. All types of businesses decorated more than two dozen colorful floats for a big parade, which was led by the Alva Cornet Band and formations of fraternal organizations. The parade route wound around the downtown square then to the building site. The program there began with a speech by the Governor Cassius M. Clay. Several town leaders also spoke. The highlight of the program, however, was an oration by Temple Houston, a colorful Woodward attorney and the son of Sam Houston. His lengthy speech, delivered in stately language, covered many subjects but held rapt attention of the crowd, estimated between 4,000 and 6,000. Afterward the cornerstone was laid in a masonic ceremony, carried out by the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Oklahoma. The formal dedication of the building came later, on March 9, 1900. Another but smaller parade greeted Governor Barnes and other

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state officials. The dedication program included entertainment by students and the faculty, a reception, and speeches by the Governor and President James Ament.

Erected 2014 by Northwestern Oklahoma State University Historical Preservation Task Force.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1898.

Location. 36° 47.822′ 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,

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

2. Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone Marker

This is the 3rd 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.

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 least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Castle on the Hill — Its Destruction (here, next to this marker); Castle on the Hill - Its Design (here, next to this marker); Castle on the Hill — Its Approval (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 . . . 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.)
Actual
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

3. The Castle on the Hill
This illustration of the Castle on the Hill is also mounted on the monument.
work on the building started on April 1, 1898 and progressed forward very rapidly and the cornerstone was laid on July 1, 1898, with a large crowd in attendance with a parade and many notables present. The dedication speech was delivered and written by one of the greatest and most colorful figures in Oklahoma history — Temple Houston, son of Texas Sam Houston. Alva Adams, Colorado governor, who was an attorney for the Santa Fe Railroad and for whom the city of Alva was allegedly named arranged for a special train to provide transportation for the territorial legislature to come to Alva for the dedication.
After Mr. Ament had come to Alva the school and city had no stauncher worker that was connected with the school. The school had the most rapid growth of any other school west of the Mississippi river. The building served the college students as a hall of learning and a meeting place not only for school but many social activities as well. In 1919, Northwestern was expanded to a 4 year teachers college and was titled "Northwestern State Teachers College."

(Submitted on February 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Castle on the Hill Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

4. Castle on the Hill Monument

Looking 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."

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 166 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.