A century ago, Tulsa’s business community recognized a growing need and took action to build a National Guard Armory at 1109 E. 6th St. A first-class facility was constructed at a cost of $50,000 (equivalent to $916,908 today), and was ready for use on July 1, 1920, according to The Oklahoman, April 25, 1920. That investment proved to be both timely and prescient—just one year later, Tulsa would face a defining historical event.

 

On May 31, 1921, a massacre took place in Tulsa (historically referred to as the "Tulsa Race Riot”). National Guard troops under the command of Maj. Paul Brown were deployed in response. Governor James Robertson declared martial law, with the Armory serving as the official Command Post for the City during the crisis.

 

The building continued to serve the Oklahoma National Guard throughout the 1920s and much of the 1930s, until a larger armory was constructed at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. But that didn’t mark the end of its service. During World War II, the structure was partially renovated using funds from the Works Progress Administration to serve as a safe haven for military personnel in transit.

 

In 1946, following World War II, the Old Armory entered a new phase of public service. That year, the building was acquired by Tulsa’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Since then, VFW Post 577 has become a trusted space for Veterans to reconnect, reflect, and reengage with the community. Generations of Veterans and their families have passed through its doors. Many Tulsans can recall a story or memory tied to an event held in the building.

 

Today, organizations such as the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Marine Corps League hold regular meetings there. And when we refer to the building, we mean the Post itself. Over time, the structure and the Post have become one and the same in both name and purpose.

 

The Post commemorated three significant 100-year milestones: the end of World War I (2018), the building’s centennial (2019), and the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa VFW charter (2020). Honoring these milestones helps us prepare for the century ahead. As Veterans from Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan return home, many will continue to rely on these historic halls to access the benefits and support they have earned.

 

It has been a privilege for the VFW to serve as caretaker of the Old Armory. But after decades of faithful use, the building now needs critical renovations. While the foundation remains solid, the facility must be brought up to current building codes to continue serving Veterans effectively.