The three-panel “Building The City of Legends” mural in Bartlesville transformed a former bare wall into a historic retelling of Bartlesville’s history. Palmer Studios Inc. painted a scene that best represents Bartlesville’s heritage and growth from 1880 through 1929. Although all three panels of the mural are cohesive and portrayed in the same unifying style, all three sections represent different segments of Bartlesville history.

The first panel takes viewers back to Bartlesville’s origins, from 1880-1899, where the state’s first commercial oil well, Nellie Johnstone No. 1, came to be. This scene also includes the Bartles Store and the Carr Mill, plus early-day pioneers Jacob Bartles, William Johnstone and George Keeler.

The second panel transports viewers to 1900-1919 Bartlesville and its historic business district, Interurban trolley, Washington County Court House, Kress Building and Union National Bank. Well-known oilmen H.V. Foster and the Phillips brothers also make an appearance in this section of the mural.

The third panel depicts 1920-1929 Bartlesville, from the headquarters of Cities Service to Hotel Maire and the Franks Phillips Tower. Viewers can also see the Phillips 66 cottage station and the Woolaroc plane. Those looking closely may also spot Osage Indian Chief Bacon Rind and H.C. Price.