The Holy City of the Wichita Mountains sits just outside Lawton, Oklahoma. Local supporters and workers built it in the 1930s with help from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). They used locally quarried granite to create full-scale replicas of biblical structures. The site now hosts the annual Prince of Peace Passion Play. It’s one of the longest-running Easter pageants in the United States and once drew tens of thousands of visitors. You can learn more about it on the official website.
I visited early to beat the heat and crowds. Rain clouds drifted over the hills. The whole place felt quiet, even with the birds chirping around me.
At the top of the rise stands a tall white statue of Jesus. It’s called the Christ of the Wichitas. His arms stretch open wide. He looks out across the refuge. I stood there for a while just looking up. It’s peaceful. You can feel the care that went into building this place.
Walking the Grounds of the Holy City
Farther down the path, I came across the three wooden crosses. They stand on a rocky rise with the Wichita Mountains behind them. These represent the crucifixion scene. They felt powerful in their simplicity.
Nearby sits a stone cross. It blends into the red rock landscape. The builders shaped it to match the surrounding terrain. Each structure fits its spot.
Then I saw one of the towers. It looked like a small castle turret made of stacked stones. These buildings resemble what Jerusalem may have looked like in biblical times. It feels a little surreal to see that in the middle of Oklahoma.
If you’re interested in places like this, you might enjoy my post on Landscapes of Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. It gives you a different view of the same refuge.
A Place of Quiet Reflection
The Holy City of the Wichita Mountains isn’t flashy. But it feels honest. Local folks still gather here for Easter pageants each year. Even on a regular day, it makes you pause.