A landmark of service, sacrifice and resilience in Okmulgee’s Black community has earned one of the nation’s highest historic honors.

The Oklahoma Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) announced that the Haygood- Shephard American Legion Post 103, located at 800 N. Wilson Street, has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, the federal government’s official list of historically significant properties deemed worthy of preservation.

The recognition marks a profound moment for Okmulgee, as Post 103 is celebrated for its unique and powerful legacy. According to the announcement, the Legion hall is recognized as one of the last known segregated social clubs for Black military veterans in northeast Oklahoma that still stands at its original location.

Named in honor of Henry Arthur Haygood, Okmulgee’s first Black casualty of World War I, and Allen B. Shephard, the community’s first Black casualty of World War II, the post has long served as a cornerstone for generations of Black veterans who faced both the call of duty abroad and racial inequality at home.

For decades, Haygood-Shephard Post 103 stood as more than a meeting place – it became a safe haven, a center of fellowship and a symbol of perseverance at a time when discrimination against Black veterans was widespread across the country. The building remains a testament to their strength, unity and continued commitment to service. It represents the resilience of Okmulgee’s Black community during periods of deep racial inequality.

Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific distinction that brings recognition, limited protections and potential access to preservation incentives. The SHPO evaluates and nominates properties across the state for this prestigious national listing.

The State Historic Preservation Office operates under the umbrella of the Oklahoma Historical Society, whose mission since 1893 has been to collect, preserve, and share the rich history and culture of Oklahoma and its people. With museums, historic sites and a wealth of educational resources statewide, the OHS works to ensure that significant places – like Post 103 – are recognized and remembered.

For more information about the Oklahoma Historical Society and its preservation efforts, visit okhistory. org.