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

Laura Ingalls Wilder's book Little House on the Prairie describes pioneer life on the plains. At one time, they lived fairly close to Bartlesville just outside Independence, Kansas. One of the characters mentioned in her stories, was a black Doctor by the name of Tann.  Dr. Tann eventually relocated to Bartlesville to start a clinic.  A small cemetary was located beside the clinic and can still be seen in a small iron fenced cemetary located at the end of a road winding northeast from Young Street north of Tuxedo in Bartlesville. 

Freedom for Slaves

An area around Bartlesville was formerly known as Nigger's Gap, now called the more politically correct Gap Road (no disrespect intended).  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 and lodging in this area as they traveled. 

Contemporary History

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