4 Historic Sites in Tulsa You Won't Want to Miss

Once a small frontier town and now a budding metropolis, Tulsa offers an abundance of rich history. Whether you've recently moved to the city or have been living in Tulsa for years, you owe it to yourself to take time to understand how Tulsa became the great city it is today. Here are four historic sites to consider exploring:

Thanks to the oil boom in the early 20th century, high rise buildings began to grace the Tulsa skyline in the early 1900s. One of the most impressive buildings built during this time is the Philtower, which was constructed in 1928 and financed by oilman Waite Phillips. Impressive details such as the 20-foot beamed ceilings and richly paneled walls were inspired by the French Art Deco design movement. The Philtower was the site where many critical decisions were made regarding the oil and gas industry, and it also was the site of a number of high society balls.  

You aren't really a Tulsa resident until you experience the Golden Driller Statue. One of the largest statues in the United State, this 75-foot structure of an oil worker reminds us that Tulsa once sat above the world's largest ocean of oil. While the original statue was built in 1953, the third version is the one that stands tall today. The Golden Driller Statue now serves as Oklahoma's official state monument.

Built in 1934, the Fire Alarm Building is one of Tulsa's greatest examples of Art Deco design. This building made an impact on the city as it incorporated the best alarm system for fire protection available in the Midwest at the time. From 1934 to 1984, all fire alarms in the city of Tulsa were reported to this one central location, and firemen then dispatched the appropriate firehouse to the location of the fire. Today, the building serves as office space for the American Lung Association.

One of the most impressive properties in Tulsa is without a doubt the Skelly House. This three-story mansion was built in 1923 and represents the best of neo-classic architecture. Former guests of the Skelly House include Presidents Coolidge and Hoover, aviators Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, and comedian Bob Hope. Several Tulsa families have lived in this historic property since the Skelly family moved out in 1968. While it's a private residence today, it's worth taking a stroll down South Madison Avenue to appreciate its magnificent architecture.

Have we missed any of your favorite historical places in Tulsa? If so, please leave them in the comments section below.