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

Old North Tower

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 10, 2025

1. Old North Tower Marker

Inscription. First structure erected by the Territory of Oklahoma for the purpose of higher education. The initial class of the Territorial Normal School met in the Methodist Church, 10 North Broadway, on November 9, 1891, and later in a building on West First Street. The “Normal building” was constructed during the fall of 1892 and occupied January 2, 1893.

Dedicated as a national historic site in honor of A.M. Classen, who donated the original 40 acres of land for the school; J.W. Howard, who introduced the Normal School bill; and John L. Mitch, former regent who worked tirelessly for the advancement of the institution.

This plaque so inscribed on behalf of the Honorable David Hall, Governor of Oklahoma, and Garland A. Godfrey, President, C.S.U., on November 9, 1972, by the Old North Memorial Committee: Alvin Alcorn, Bill Burghardt, Reba Collins, Stan Hoig, and Joe G. Jackson.

Erected 1972 by Old North Memorial Committee.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1893.

Location. 35° 39.409′ N,

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97° 28.428′ W. Marker is in Edmond, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It can be reached from the intersection of West University Drive and East Campbell Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Edmond OK 73034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country

and in Greater Oklahoma City.

It is also 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

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shannon Miller Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Classen's Grove (approx. ¼ mile away); Kivlehen House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Statue of Liberty Replica (approx. 0.4 miles away); Central State College (approx. 0.4 miles away); Edmond Public School 1889 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Central State Normal (approx. 0.4

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 10, 2025

2. Old North Tower Marker

Marker is immediately left of the main entrance.

miles away); Early Days (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edmond.

Also see . . . Old North Tower (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination and accompanying photographs (separate file) for the building, which was listed in 1971. (Prepared by Stan Hoig and Kent Ruth; via National Park Service) (Submitted on May 21, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Additional keywords. University of Central Oklahoma

Old North Tower image. Click for full size.

Central State Teachers College Quarterly Bulletin; via Google Books (Public Domain), January 1, 1922

3. Old North Tower

The building as it appeared in the early 1920s.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.