Pawnee Agency and Boarding School Historic District

The Pawnee Agency and Boarding School Historic District is an educational and administrative complex east of Black Bear Creek containing 15 sandstone structures built between 1876 and 1932. The roughly 29-acre site includes dormitories, classroom and office buildings, and a former hospital, all constructed with stone quarried from the surrounding area.

The complex was established in 1876 when the Pawnee relocated from Nebraska to Indian Territory and the federal government built a school to serve the community. Buildings were constructed gradually over several decades, reflecting the expansion of operations throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The structures reflect the federal government's approach to Native American education and assimilation during this period. Walking through the grounds, you sense how these buildings shaped the lives of the Pawnee people and their community.

The grounds are open to explore, and you can view the exteriors of most buildings and walk around the site freely. Visit on a clear day when you can comfortably walk between the structures and take in the landscape around the creek.

The Superintendent's Residence displays ornamental architectural details such as diamond and fish-scale patterned shingles and precisely laid sandstone walls. This careful craftsmanship stands out from the more utilitarian buildings on the grounds and reflects the superintendent's standing within the establishment.