Bartlesville History

The history of Bartlesville is unique and varied and can be better told by others. This information was some that I found interesting. It was provided by others and has not been further verified. Additions, corrections and clarifications are appreciated. Bartlesville is unique, in that while other town names may often be found in other states, Bartlesville is one of a kind and no other is to be found.  

Bartlesville was founded in 1870 when Nelson Carr opened a trading post on the north side of the Caney River. Several years later, Jacob Bartles purchased a grist mill and expanded it into a general store.

Little House on the Prairie

A portion of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie life took place relatively close to Bartlesville near Independence, Kansas.  One of the characters mentioned in her stories, was a black Doctor by the name of Tan.  Dr. Tan eventually relocated to Bartlesville to start a clinic and is buried in a small iron fenced cemetary located at the end of a road winding northeast from Young Street.   

Freedom for Slaves

An area around Bartlesville was formerly known as "Nigger's Gap"  (no disrespect intended), now called the more politically correct Gap Road.  This was a private, mountainous, heavily wooded area where the trains ran through a narrow gap.  Former slaves traveling to the north were said to find help, food, clothing and lodging in this area as they traveled through.  The independant and free thinking aspect of many local folks made such help available locally. 

Contemporary History

A wealth of information about Bartlesville, it's history and it's people may be found in a number of books by my friend Rita Thurman Barnes available at local stores or on her website http://www.BartlesvilleBooks.com.