Tuckers Tower - Lake Murray - Steve Kennedy

Tuckers Tower, Lake Murray, South Central Oklahoma.

Built in 1933, this legendary "Oklahoma Castle" was based on pictures of European castles taken by World War I veteran and then local legislator Fred Tucker. Located prominently on a rocky crag off the south shore of Lake Murray, Tuckers Tower seems to soar over the clear waters. It remains one of the most fascinating places to go in Oklahoma.

The tower is 65 feet tall and is roughly shaped like a truncated obelisk, resembling the form of an ancient castle stronghold. The structure was built by WPA crews of the 1930’s. The primary material used was the hand-quarried bluish-gray limestone found in the Ardmore Basin where the lake now lies.

Interesting side note:  Governor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray was truly one of Oklahoma’s more lively politicians. He was well known for his excessive use of executive orders, martial law, and his opposition to New Deal programs established to offset the Great Depression. Murray was vehemently opposed to federal control. Still, while he spent a great deal of time trying to thwart many of the New Deal programs, he left alone the one that allowed for the construction of Tuckers Tower and the lake that surrounds it.

In truth, had it not been for former Governor William H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray, Oklahoma tourism would have lost two of it's most popular Oklahoma Attractions: Lake Murray State Park and Tuckers Tower.

I used to frequent Lake Murray for skiing as a teenager.  I remember seeing Tucker Tower for the first time and thinking, wow, what is this?  The photos of its walkway and entry are how I remember approaching it for the first time.  Tucker Tower – one of Oklahoma’s unique architectural treasures!