Charles Gasham “Gristmill” Jones Sculpture and Memorial Plaza Unveiling Ceremony
10 a.m. August 21 at OKC Fair Park
The sculpture is located between the Bennett Event Center and the Centennial Building.
The sculpture is a gift to Oklahoma City residents by the Oklahoma City-County Historical Society.
About Charles Gasham “Gristmill” Jones
Born November 3, 1856, in Illinois, Charles Gasham Jones moved to Oklahoma Territory and quickly became
a leader in the young community’s development. He built a pioneering flour mill, advocated for agriculture,
and served in both territorial and state government. His accomplishments include bringing the state fair to
Oklahoma City, attracting railroad and industrial investment, and helping secure the relocation of the state
capital to Oklahoma City in 1910.
Key Accomplishments
- Built the first flour mill in Oklahoma City.
- Served in the first, fifth, and sixth Territorial Legislatures and as Speaker of the House in 1891.
- Founded the towns of Mustang and Jones.
- Served twice as Oklahoma City’s mayor (1896 and 1901).
- Founded and served as the first president of the Fair Association of Oklahoma.
- Was a leader in the construction of hundreds of miles of railroads in Oklahoma.
- Served as the Chairman of the Single Statehood Committee.
- Helped bring large meat packers to the Stockyards, Oklahoma City’s first major economic development success, creating thousands of jobs.
- Led efforts to relocate the state capital to Oklahoma City.