Discover Oklahoma: Explore the history of oilman E.W. Marland at Ponca City landmark

Dino Lalli
·3 min read
The Marland Grand Home in Ponca City has a rich history.
The Marland Grand Home in Ponca City has a rich history.

Recently, I saw a story that mentioned the Marland Grand Home in Ponca City. I’ve done a couple a stories over the years for "Discover Oklahoma" on this fascinating destination. If you have never had the opportunity to visit, you should plan a trip for several reasons. The first fact right off the bat caught my attention years ago. Even before coming to Oklahoma in 1908, E.W. Marland already had earned and lost a fortune. Simply put, when you tour the Marland Grand Home, you are seeing Oklahoma history.

In the early 20th century, Marland, a man familiar with life's highs and lows, embarked on a transformative journey that would define Oklahoma's history. Initially a lawyer, Marland ventured into the budding field of geology, all while dabbling in coal leases in West Virginia. It was there that he glimpsed the immense potential of oil and learned about oil leases.

However, Marland's life took a dramatic turn during a stopover in Oklahoma on his way to visit his cousin at Fort Sill. Captivated by the untapped riches of the land, he decided to make it his home, unwittingly laying the foundation for a lasting legacy. In 1911, Marland's oil exploration efforts struck gold, marking the start of a new chapter. His ambitious nature led to the construction of a grand mansion, completed in 1916 and known today as the Marland Grand Home, a testament to his penchant for grandeur.

A patio covers an indoor swimming pool at this house at 1000 E Grand in Ponca City. The Marland Grand Home was built in 1916 and was designed by early Oklahoma architect Solomon Layton.
A patio covers an indoor swimming pool at this house at 1000 E Grand in Ponca City. The Marland Grand Home was built in 1916 and was designed by early Oklahoma architect Solomon Layton.

The Marland Grand Home serves multiple roles, from hosting elegant weddings and receptions to housing a significant museum space. In the basement, the 101 Ranch museum exhibit offers a historical journey, while upstairs showcases captivating Native American exhibits, highlighting local Plains tribes. Many artifacts were collected by Marland himself during the 1920s, now cherished within the Grand Home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More: Need a break from the routine? An Oklahoma getaway could do wonders

The 1920s marked a turning point for Marland Oil, propelling it to unrivaled success. During this era, the Marlands resided in the Grand Home, overseeing the company's evolution into Conoco. E.W. Marland was not only a business titan but also an innovator. He introduced modern conveniences like an automatic dishwasher and central vacuum system within the Grand Home. An underground indoor swimming pool, a marvel of 1916, provided leisure and entertainment.

The Marlands lived there from 1916 to 1928. At that time, he built his larger mansion that many people know about today. It’s the castle on the prairie, and they moved there in 1929. Today it’s known as the Marland Mansion.

The Marland Mansion is often referred to as the castle on the prairie. It was purchased and restored by Ponca City in 1975.
The Marland Mansion is often referred to as the castle on the prairie. It was purchased and restored by Ponca City in 1975.

Visitors can explore the Marland Grand Home through self-guided tours, gaining insight into the Marlands' lives. These tours reveal not only technological advancements but also the Marland family's philanthropic spirit. Marland's commitment to community welfare included pioneering company benefits like medical and dental plans.

A visit to the Marland Grand Home offers a captivating journey through history. And remember that E.W. Marland, the visionary behind these treasures, also served as the 10th governor of Oklahoma, leaving a legacy that extended beyond oil fields.

Exploring the remarkable history of E.W. Marland, the Marland Grand Home and the Marland Mansion reminds us of one man's enduring impact on Oklahoma's history through vision, innovation and philanthropy.

To discover more of Oklahoma's rich heritage, go to the official website of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at www.travelok.com.

Dino Lalli is the co-host and one of the feature reporters for the weekly television travel show "Discover Oklahoma."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Discover Oklahoma: Marland Grand Home offers look at oilman's legacy