An Oklahoma City Treasure
Harn Homestead brings Oklahoma City's territorial history to life through the home, grounds, buildings, and stories of the people who helped build a growing city.
Visitors can step into the elegance of a Victorian home while discovering the resourcefulness and everyday life of families living in Oklahoma Territory.
A New Beginning in Oklahoma Territory
The Harn story began in 1891 when President Benjamin Harrison appointed William Fremont Harn as a special land commissioner. His work helped determine property ownership following the Land Run of 1889.
William and his wife, Alice, moved from Mansfield, Ohio, to Oklahoma City. Although Alice hoped to return home after William's federal appointment ended in 1893, William had become inspired by the possibilities of the growing city.
He chose to remain in Oklahoma City and become part of its future. In 1903, William purchased 160 acres and established a permanent home for the Harn family.
In 1903, William Harn purchased 160 acres and made Oklahoma City the family's permanent home.
Helping Build Oklahoma City
William Harn's influence reached well beyond the Homestead. He acquired additional property near downtown Oklahoma City and became involved in developing several neighborhoods.
Among them was Harndale, an area that would later become part of what is now known as Heritage Hills.
As Oklahoma City continued to develop, the Harn family would become connected to another defining chapter in the city's story.
A Lasting Gift to Oklahoma City
When Oklahoma's state capital moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City, William Harn donated 40 acres of his property for construction of the new Oklahoma State Capitol.
His neighbor Culbertson contributed another 40 acres. The Capitol still stands on land provided by these early Oklahoma City residents.
Their contributions remain an enduring reminder of the role early settlers played in shaping the city's future.
William Harn donated 40 acres for the site of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
A Home Chosen by Alice
When William decided Oklahoma City would become their permanent home, family tradition says he offered Alice a compromise: she could select the home she wanted from the National Home Builders catalog.
Alice selected a Victorian Queen Anne-style house featuring an offset front porch and distinctive half-octagonal forms in the parlor and upstairs bedroom.
The house was ordered around Christmas 1903 and constructed on the family's Homestead in only six weeks in 1904.
More than a century later, the house remains at the heart of Harn Homestead and provides a window into family life during Oklahoma's early years.
Alice Harn's Victorian home was constructed in just six weeks in 1904.
The Harn Family & Florence Wilson
After the death of her mother, Alice Harn's niece, Florence Wilson, came to live with William and Alice at the Homestead.
Florence remained there throughout their lives. Alice died in 1931, followed by William in 1944. Florence inherited the home and property and continued living there for more than two decades.
In 1967, she deeded the property to the City of Oklahoma City with the intention that the Homestead be preserved as a museum and city park.
Preserving the Homestead
Florence envisioned the Homestead as a place where future generations, especially children, could learn about Oklahoma's territorial years and experience a tangible connection to the state's early history.
That vision took another important step forward in June 1986, when the museum incorporated as William Fremont Harn Gardens, Inc., doing business as Harn Homestead Museum.
The organization continues today as a private nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing this history.
Through the Years
The Land Run
The Land Run of 1889 opened the chapter of Oklahoma history that would eventually bring William Harn to Oklahoma Territory.
William Harn Arrives
President Benjamin Harrison appoints William Fremont Harn as a special land commissioner.
A Decision to Stay
After his federal appointment ends, William chooses to remain in the growing Oklahoma City community.
The Homestead Begins
William purchases 160 acres and establishes a permanent home for the Harn family.
The Harn House Is Built
Alice's Victorian Queen Anne-style house is constructed on the Homestead in approximately six weeks.
Alice Harn Dies
Florence Wilson remains at the Homestead with her uncle William.
Florence Inherits the Homestead
Following William Harn's death, Florence inherits the family home and property.
A Gift to Oklahoma City
Florence deeds the property to the City of Oklahoma City so it can be preserved as a museum and city park.
The Museum Incorporates
William Fremont Harn Gardens, Inc., doing business as Harn Homestead Museum, incorporates as a nonprofit organization.
Our Mission Today
The Mission of the Harn Homestead is to preserve the historic property of William Harn and educate children and the community about Oklahoma's territorial years.