Langston Jail added to National Register of Historic Places

A significant piece of Logan County history has received national recognition. The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) have announced that the Langston Jail has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Located at 205 Drexel St. in Langston, the one-room native-stone jail was built in 1935 as part of a New Deal-era federal program. It is a rare surviving example of small jails constructed during that period and stands as the only known jail in an All-Black Town funded by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).

The jail’s listing in the National Register falls under Criterion C for its architectural significance and Criterion A for its historical importance in law enforcement. The structure reflects the early methods of local policing, serving as a temporary detention facility for offenders before transfer to larger institutions.

The recognition of the Langston Jail follows its inclusion in an ongoing All-Black Towns survey, funded by the National Park Service, which seeks to document and preserve historically significant sites tied to Oklahoma’s rich African American heritage.

Being listed in the National Register of Historic Places is primarily an honorific designation that highlights the historical value of a property. In some cases, it also provides opportunities for financial incentives and preservation support.

The SHPO, a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society, continues to identify and nominate important properties for recognition. The Oklahoma Historical Society, founded in 1893, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the state’s history through research, exhibits, and educational programs.