Arcadia, Oklahoma – Home of the Round Barn – Legends of America
Arcadia, Oklahoma, a quaint town nestled in the heartland, holds a special place in the annals of American history, primarily due to its iconic Round Barn. This architectural marvel, erected in 1898, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and community spirit of the early settlers. More than just a building, the Round Barn is arguably the most photographed landmark along the historic Route 66, beckoning travelers with its unique allure and storied past.
A Genesis Rooted in the Land Rush
Arcadia’s origins are inextricably linked to the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, a pivotal event that dramatically reshaped the state’s landscape and demographics. As eager pioneers staked their claims, a small agricultural community began to coalesce near the Deep Fork River and its tributaries. The settlers, captivated by the serene beauty of the area, christened their nascent town "Arcadia," a nod to the pastoral paradise of Greek mythology. This name was intended to reflect the tranquil and idyllic nature of their new home.
In August 1890, Arcadia officially established its presence with the opening of a post office, solidifying its role as a burgeoning hub for the surrounding agricultural region.
The Vision of "Big Bill" Odor
The year 1892 marked a significant turning point for Arcadia, with the arrival of William Harrison "Big Bill" Odor. Odor, an ambitious and resourceful individual, established a homestead along the banks of the Deep Fork River. In 1898, he embarked on an ambitious project: the construction of a grand, circular barn.
Odor’s vision extended beyond mere practicality. He established a sawmill to process the abundant local bur oak trees into timber. Utilizing a unique technique, the freshly cut green wood was meticulously shaped into curved boards. These boards were then submerged in water while still pliable, and carefully placed in custom-made molds to achieve the desired curvature.
A Barn for Work and Play
During the barn’s construction, an interesting anecdote unfolded. Three young workers, recognizing the potential for social gatherings, persuaded Odor to install hardwood flooring on the upper level, rather than the initially planned rough-hewn planks. They argued that the smooth surface would be ideal for dancing. To sweeten the deal, they offered to personally cover the cost difference. Odor, recognizing the value of community spirit, readily agreed.
Completed in 1898, the Round Barn was an impressive structure, boasting a diameter of 60 feet and a height of 43 feet. The lower level served as a functional space for storing hay, grain, and livestock. However, it was the upper level that truly transformed the barn into a community centerpiece. From its inception, the upper level became a gathering place for social events, most notably the regular barn dances that drew crowds and musicians from far and wide, solidifying Arcadia’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming community.
Growth and Tribulation
The early 20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Arcadia. In 1902, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad (often referred to as the MKT or "Katy") commenced construction of a railway line connecting Bartlesville to Oklahoma City. Recognizing the potential benefits of rail access, William H. Odor and Benjamin Newkirk generously donated land, leading to the formation of a townsite company.
The arrival of the railroad in 1903 was a boon for Arcadia. A railroad station was promptly built, enabling local farmers to efficiently transport their cotton and other agricultural products to distant markets. By 1907, Arcadia had blossomed into a thriving community of 994 residents. The town’s commercial district boasted a diverse array of businesses, including A. H. Crabb’s Pioneer Mercantile and cotton gin, B.F. Ogle’s Up-to-Date Grocery, Odor and McMinimy Hardware, Sweat’s Restaurant, and F.C. Dowell’s Arcadia Hotel. By 1910, Arcadia also proudly featured three churches and two schools, reflecting its commitment to education and spiritual well-being. One school was designated for white students, and the other for black students. By the 1920s, Arcadia had further modernized, offering telephone service, two banks, seven general stores, a pharmacy, two cotton gins, and various other enterprises.
However, tragedy struck in 1924 when a devastating fire swept through the downtown area, consuming many of the buildings along Main Street. Amidst the destruction, Tuton’s Drugstore, constructed in 1917, miraculously survived. This two-story sandstone building, located at 200 N. Main Street, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as the sole surviving structure from Arcadia’s former business district, a poignant reminder of the town’s resilience.
Route 66 and Shifting Fortunes
The year 1926 brought a new chapter to Arcadia’s story with the arrival of Route 66. The iconic highway, also known as the "Mother Road," passed directly through the town, sparking the establishment of service businesses catering to the needs of passing travelers. However, the Great Depression cast a long shadow over Arcadia, prompting many residents to seek employment in larger cities.
The early 1950s witnessed another significant change as the Turner Turnpike, a modern highway, bypassed old Route 66 between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This development led to the decline of many businesses in Arcadia, as travelers were no longer compelled to pass through the town. In 1968, the local schools closed, and Arcadia students were bussed to schools in Oklahoma City, further eroding the town’s autonomy. To compound these challenges, severe flooding in 1974 caused extensive damage to bridges, roads, and railroad tracks, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of railroad service.
A Barn Reborn
By the late 1970s, the Round Barn had fallen into a state of disrepair. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, the barn continued to deteriorate, culminating in the collapse of its roof in 1988. However, this apparent setback galvanized a group of dedicated volunteers known as "The Over the Hill Gang" into action. They embarked on a tireless restoration effort, breathing new life into the beloved landmark. Today, the Round Barn stands proudly restored, welcoming visitors daily free of charge, a testament to the power of community preservation.
Arcadia Today
By 1990, Arcadia’s population had dwindled to just 320 residents. Today, the town is home to approximately 270 people, many of whom commute to work in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
In addition to the Round Barn, Arcadia offers several other attractions for visitors. One such attraction is the now-closed Hillbillee’s BBQ, a former Route 66 Gas Station, Cafe, and Motor Court. Legend has it that in the early years of Route 66, the motor court would even provide a "companion" for male travelers.
A more recent addition to Arcadia’s tourism landscape is Pops, a convenience store and restaurant on the city’s west edge. Built by natural gas mogul Aubrey McClendon and designed by renowned Oklahoma architect Rand Elliott, Pops features more than 500 flavors of soda pop in its coolers, diner-style comfort food in its restaurant, and a 66-foot-tall soda bottle next to the highway that’s adorned with multicolored LEDs. Combining modern service with classic roadside kitsch, Pops has been packed with visitors each weekend since it opened in 2007.
About a mile east of Arcadia is John Hargroves’s Auto Trim Mini Museum; a former airplane and school bus mechanic, John grew up in Oklahoma City and was always fascinated by Route 66. After he retired, he bought the land and began to build his attraction, which features miniaturized versions of Route 66 icons across the country all in one place. Outside, visitors see a mock-up of the Twin Arrows of Arizona, a Volkswagen Beetle nose down in the dirt, a pond with a replica of the Catoosa Blue Whale, and numerous statues, gas pumps, a half-buried airplane, and more. Inside is a Route 66 diner, a theater, and a working garage filled with memorabilia. The attraction is located at 13441 E Hwy 66.
Arcadia is located just 20 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, making it an easily accessible destination for those seeking a glimpse into the past and a taste of authentic Americana.
As the road continues westward, it leads to the outskirts of Edmond, Oklahoma, and the sprawling suburbs of Oklahoma City, a reminder of the ever-encroaching urban landscape that surrounds this historic town.
Arcadia, Oklahoma, may be a small town, but its story is rich and compelling. From its origins in the Land Rush to its enduring symbol in the Round Barn, Arcadia stands as a testament to the resilience, community spirit, and enduring allure of the American heartland.