Standpipe Hill

Standpipe Hill 1910
Photograph: Beryl Ford Collection 
Courtesy of Tulsa County Library

Standpipe Hill is located just north of downtown between Cincinnati and Main avenues. In the early 1900s a water reservoir called a standpipe tank was built atop the hill, bringing water from the Arkansas River to the city. Standpipe Hill stood witness to some of the most monumental events in Tulsa's history, including the 1921 Race Riot. Eventually the name was changed to Cherokee Hill when the water tank was demolished in the 1920s. At this time there was a need to connect communities north of Standpipe Hill with downtown so the hill was divided by North Cincinnati Avenue. Presently OSU-Tulsa resides on the western portion of the hill, and the rubble of an old neighborhood that has since been demolished lies on the eastern portion. OSU-Tulsa has nearly completed its most recent construction project directly on top of  what would be the last remaining portion of the western half of Standpipe Hill.However, there is a wonderful view of the city from the eastern portion of the hill and a stirring energy from memories of the past.

The destruction as seen from Standpipe Hill following the Race Riot  June 1, 1921
Photograph: Beryl Ford Collection 
Courtesy of Tulsa County Library

Tulsa Skyline from Standpipe Hill 1928
Photograph: Beryl Ford Collection 
Courtesy of Tulsa County Library

The view from Standpipe Hill 2014
Coffee Deco Photography ©