Legislation that established Northwestern Territorial Normal School in 1897 also directed the Board of Education to “advertise for plans and specifications for a suitable building… with an estimate of the cost thereof.” With the support of area . . . — — Map (db m265793) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m265794) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m265795) HM
Tragedy struck Northwestern on March 1, 1935, when the Castle on the Hill was destroyed by fire. Flames had spread through much of the building and were well beyond control when first discovered around 2 A.M. Efforts to control the roaring flames . . . — — Map (db m265796) HM
