Corliss Steam Engine

The Corliss Steam Engine is a monumental machine showcasing the engineering prowess of its era through massive cylinders and precisely engineered steam controls. It was built as a power source for industrial plants and demonstrates the mechanical sophistication with rotating components and regulated valve systems.

Built in 1912 for the Blackwell Zinc Company, the engine powered machinery at a zinc processing plant until operations ceased in 1973. After decades of industrial use, it was preserved and relocated to its current location as a historical artifact.

The engine sits at the Pawnee County Fairgrounds as a symbol of early 20th century industrial life in Oklahoma. Visitors can observe how engineering advances of that era shaped the local economy and workforce.

The engine sits on public fairgrounds and can be viewed from outside, with the best vantage points from the main field area. Visitors should plan visits around fairground events and can ask at the information center for more details about the site.

The Reynolds trip gear was an innovative mechanism that automatically regulated steam pressure, making the engine far more efficient than earlier designs. This advancement was significant enough that many American factories switched to Corliss engines because of this feature.