Historical Marker Program

Office of E. P. McCabe

Logan County
Location: at South 2nd Street and West Harrison Avenue in Guthrie
Coordinates: 35.877367, -97.427667
Material: Aluminum
Sponsor(s): Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
Topics: Ethnic Diversity; Government; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

Oklahoma–an all black state with a black governor–was the dream of E. P. McCabe, lawyer, farmer, and Republican activist. McCabe vigorously promoted black settlement and assumed role as spokesman for black people in Washington with President Benjamin Harrison. As a candidate for Territorial Governor, he was quoted in the St. Louis Globe - Democrat: Should I become governor, I promise to rule fairly and fearlessly." McCabe became Logan County treasurer by appointment of Gov. Steele in 1890. He served as secretary of the Territorial Legislature in 1890. and was deputy auditor of the Territory from 1897 to 1907. He was chiefly responsible for the founding of Langston and helped in the location and establishment of Langston University.