A History Lesson in Lindsay
Hi friends! Katie here!
I recently made a stop in Lindsay, OK, population 2,807, give or take a few. Lindsay is a great, quintessential small town.
What you probably wouldn’t know pulling into Lindsay is the extensive history behind the development of the town. Like most stories from the past, there are a lot of characters involved, many circumstances, events and plot twists that can leave even the history buff confused.
You’ll need to stop by the Murray-Lindsay Mansion to understand Lindsay's past. Just a little outside of town, sitting atop a hill, is a grand mansion of sorts. With large white columns, green-trimmed windows and a lush lawn, it may seem a little out of place for such a small town, but if those walls could talk, they would probably tell you it’s the reason Lindsay and Erin Springs are here today.
Have I piqued your interest?
It all started with an Irishman named Frank Murray, who was looking to build a better life for himself and eventually his family in the United States. Murray would marry Alzira McCaughey Powell who had one infant daughter, Anita, from a previous marriage. Since Alzira was Chickasaw, Murray received 160 acres in their union. This would ultimately lead to the start of the farming and ranching empire their daughter Anita and her husband Lewis Lindsay would carry on, hence the name Murray-Lindsay Mansion.
Still following?
The land holdings of the Murray-Lindsay family would amass 20,000 acres. In 1902, the family donated 400 acres for the laying of railroad tracks and for the development of a town around it. While the mansion has weathered many years and seen many guests, it remains how Mrs. Murray left it in her death in 1924.
Updates have ensued and furnishings have been returned and replaced, but the history of the family is almost palpable as you ascend the beautiful wooden staircase or as you step into the parlor.
Now, the story I just gave you is the short, simple and sweet version. If you want to hear the whole story or if you want to see the elaborate mansion yourself, I highly suggest a visit to the Murray-Lindsay Mansion. Three delightful ladies would love to share the history of the home and those who built it from the ground up with you.
The story of the Murray-Lindsay family goes beyond the city limits of Lindsay and Erin Springs and reveals more about other towns in Chickasaw Country. I think the mansion is a historical gem and is something to be treasured by all. How lucky for Lindsay to have such a preserved history! I give this trip two thumbs up and would make for a great afternoon trip for you and the family!
- Katie
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