These Historic Towns In Oklahoma Are Worth Exploring

Often ranked among the most affordable, the Sooner State, as Oklahoma is called, is also among the most friendly — besides boasting the most diverse natural terrain in the United States. While it is the 46th state to join the Union and, in that respect, relatively new, Oklahoma boasts one of the oldest records of human occupation. Also, the state is known to have birthed the now infamous Jim Crow Laws that enforced racial segregation — and was the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The following historic towns are worth exploring to understand Oklahoma's fascinating history.

Pauls Valley

There is a reason Pauls Valley boasts one of the best historic downtowns in Oklahoma. Playing host to a population of about 6,100, this Oklahoma charmer features arguably the most red brick streets than any other city in the United States. Around Middle Boggy Creek, located minutes from downtown Pauls Valley, a bloody Civil War battle was fought in February 1864. It would be the last major engagement of the Civil War in Indian Territory. To learn more about the town's history, the historic Santa Fe Depot Museum, located steps from the Amtrak Station, boasts an excellent collection of old photos, memorabilia, and pioneer collectibles. Also, the 14-block historic district, a highlight of this town, features buildings constructed at the turn of the 20th century and, together with the town's brick streets, represent the epitome of the Anglo cultural adaptation to Oklahoma's Chickasaw heritage.

Boley

Oklahoma, more than any other state in the country, was once home to the highest number of all-Black towns. According to several accounts, these towns were previously more than 50. Today, only 13 remain. Of those still remaining, the town of Boley was the largest and most famous. Founded in 1903, Boley once had everything "that Chicago or any other burgeoning town had." The First National Bank of Boley, housed at the Farmers and Merchants Bank, was founded in 1921 and is reputed to be the first Black-owned Bank with a national charter in the United States. A visit to Boley will be a step back in time, especially for those interested in Black history. One of the oldest African American rodeos in the nation takes place here on the last weekend in May. 

Barnsdall

Barnsdall is tiny — and boasts a population of just about 1,000 residents. However, it scores big when it comes to historical significance. This is because Barnsdall boasts a most unusual entry in the National Register of Historic Places. If you thought an oil well is a huge facility somewhere in a desert, this could come as a surprise. This quiet town boasts an oil well and is unbelievably located at the heart of West Main Street. It is designated in the National Register of Historic Places as the only main street oil well in the world. About 10 minutes from town, the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve hosts more than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals. Also, Bigheart Museum, founded by a Native American chief, celebrates the heritage of the Osage Nation. 

Commerce

About 60 to 70 years ago, every young American who played baseball would insist on wearing jersey number 7. This jersey was associated with Mickey Mantle, a blond-haired athlete reputed to be one of the greatest switch hitters in baseball history. In his heyday, this Oklahoma son was perhaps as famous and adored as Elvis Presley. Today, Mickey Mantle's childhood home in Commerce is a great piece of baseball history. First-time visitors can get inside this modest house and set foot in the same spot where the "Commerce Comet" — on his way to stardom — swung countless pitches thrown by his dad. Also, you may not want to miss out on Dairy King, a popular joint reputed to serve one of the best burgers in the state. Finally, right off the road, the Mickey Mantle Statue could be an awesome photo-op. 

Okmulgee

Okmulgee is another Oklahoma town known for its fascinating history and, hence, well worth exploring. Founded in the years following the Civil War, this town served as a major settlement of the Muscogee Native tribe in the wake of the Trail of Tears, the forced displacement of thousands of Natives from the southeastern U.S. This town would serve as the capital of the Muscogee nation until 1907, the year Oklahoma achieved statehood. Attractions here include the Creek Council House, which was the Muscogee tribe's seat of government. On display are exhibits of key historical events that took place within this house and across the Muscogee Nation. Besides, this town boasts a fantastic downtown area, including Severs Block, one of Okmulgee's most historically significant buildings. To cap it all, facilities such as Okmulgee and Dripping Springs Lake and Recreation Area would be helpful for outdoor enthusiasts.

Guthrie

Guthrie deserves a spot on this list because it once served as Oklahoma's first capital before the title was transferred to Oklahoma City in 1910. Expect a well-preserved downtown that features more than 2,000 historic buildings. The town's most famous landmark buildings include the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, one of the largest Masonic complexes on the planet. This elegant Neo-classical masterpiece was completed in the Roaring Twenties and speaks to the influence of Masons in Oklahoma. Besides, the Oklahoma Territorial Museum houses exhibits of invaluable historical value and is worth checking out. Guthrie also reenacts the 1889 Land Rush every year in April. Finally, Rick's Fine Chocolates and Pies is a fantastic spot for some delicious coffee and can serve as a perfect climax.

Tahlequah 

Rounding off this list is Tahlequah, a town of about 17,300 located at the base of the Ozark Mountains near the Illinois River. The town's name, translated as "two are enough" in the Cherokee language, is in reference to an incident where two federal commissioners, not waiting for a quorum vote, declared this spot the end of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Tahlequah would serve as the capital of the Cherokee Nation until Oklahoma's statehood in 1907. Much of this fascinating history is well preserved at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Also, Northeastern State University, founded initially as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Finally, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum preserves the judicial history of the Cherokee Nation and is also worth exploring.

The Takeaway

Oklahoma may have been among the last to join the Union, but its history predates that of the United States by centuries. While the Land Run of 1889 may have paved the way for European settlement in the area, historians can trace the Wichita and the Caddo back two millennia. Also, the Osage and Apachean-speaking people could have been in the area before the arrival of Europeans. To step back in time, towns such as Okmulgee, Guthrie, and Tahlequah brim with history and are worth exploring. Boley, the most famous of the all-Black towns, should also feature on one's itinerary.