The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:
If you took Oklahoma history in junior high, there’s a good chance you never learned about one of the state’s most influential early leaders — Charles Gasham “Gristmill” Jones.
Today, city and county leaders unveiled a life-size bronze sculpture honoring Jones, whose entrepreneurial spirit and civic pride helped shape Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma City-County Historical Society donated the monument and plaza, which are located northeast of the Bennett Event Center, south of the Centennial Building at OKC Fair Park.
Jones’ many contributions to Oklahoma include:
- 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, which was Oklahoma City’s first major economic development success, creating thousands of jobs
- Led efforts to relocate the state capital to Oklahoma City
“The successful Oklahoma County and Oklahoma City we know today is in large measure the result of the work of C.G. “Gristmill” Jones over 100 years ago,” said Oklahoma County Commissioner and Historical Society Board Member Brian Maughan. “He was a leader in moving the state capitol to Oklahoma City, a champion of economic development by bringing railroads and much-needed industry, creating thousands of jobs, and dedicated himself to civic service and leadership. As a founder of the State Fair, it is fitting that his statue is now erected at State Fair Park.”
The monument was created by Oklahoma City sculptor LaQuincey Reed, a member of the National Sculpture Society whose public art can be seen across the state.
“OKC mayors have been playing a key role in our city’s progress since 1889,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “Even 114 years after death, Mayor Jones’ contributions are still foundational to the city we know today. I’m pleased we can recognize that legacy, which gives us a respect for history and inspires us to remember the impact that each of us can have on this community.”
“I consider Mr. Jones to be a forgotten State Builder,” said Oklahoma City County Historical Society Board Member and C.G. Jones historian Randall McMillin. Everything he accomplished was for the betterment of the Territory/State of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City.”
More about C.G. Jones
Born Nov. 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 capitol to Oklahoma City in 1910.
Jones died in 1911 while campaigning for a third term as mayor. The town of Jones, Oklahoma, is named in his honor.
About LaQuincey Reed
Reed is a nationally recognized sculptor based in Oklahoma City. A University of Oklahoma graduate, he has created public art for the Oklahoma State Capitol, Cleveland County Courthouse, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and others. He previously worked on the Oklahoma Land Run Monument and has exhibited work nationally, including at Brookgreen Gardens’ Emerging Stars in American Sculpture exhibit and the Skirvin Hilton Hotel’s Artist in Residence program.
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