These Small Towns In Oklahoma Have The Best Historic Districts

Nicknamed the "Sooner State" for the famous land runs of 1889 when thousands of settlers raced to stake their claims (the "sooners" were those who jumped the gun to get a head start), Oklahoma boasts plenty of interesting places worth visiting. Spread across the state is a diverse collection of picturesque towns that provide a glimpse into Oklahoma's rich past, all just waiting to be explored. From Guthrie, with its well-preserved Victorian charm, to the pioneer spirit still very much in evidence in communities like Kingfisher, the best of these small towns feature no end of historic landmarks to warrant a visit. Learn more about them in these small Oklahoma towns with the best historic districts.

Guthrie 

Oklahoma's first capital, Guthrie's entire downtown area, is so picture-perfect that it has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Serving as a remarkable living museum of late 19th-century and early 20th-century design, the many examples of well-preserved Victorian architecture here include the stunning Logan County Courthouse, a superb example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple is another architectural marvel and is one of the world's largest Masonic centers. Other historic district highlights include the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, popular for its displays commemorating the events surrounding the frenzied Land Run of 1889 and the early days of statehood. The State Capital Publishing Museum, once home to the largest publishing company west of the Mississippi, adds another interesting layer to Guthrie's past.

Pauls Valley 

Encompassing 14 blocks of the downtown area, the Pauls Valley historic district is one of the best-preserved in the state. Established during the late 19th century in Indian Territory, the town was named after Smith Paul, an early settler of European descent. Important landmarks dating back to this period include the Santa Fe Depot Museum. Housed in a restored train depot dating from 1905, the museum displays a variety of exhibits showcasing the town's railway and pioneer history.

Traveling with kids? The nearby Toy and Action Figure Museum celebrates the art and nostalgia of action figures. Try to visit Wacker Park and Pavilion, a popular gathering place that has served the community for generations. 

Claremore 

Located in the northeastern part of the state and just a 30-minute drive from Tulsa, Claremore is perhaps best known as the hometown of actor and humorist Will Rogers. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is home to a large collection of memorabilia and manuscripts that provide an insight into this iconic American's life and times.

The town's rich past can also be explored at the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum. Here, you will find impressive displays of firearms, as well as relics reflecting Oklahoma's history. The historic Belvidere Mansion, built in 1907, is another great place to visit and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture. If you've time, check out Claremore's radium-rich bathhouses. Popular in the early 1900s, some, like Mendenhall's Bath House, can still be enjoyed today.

McAlester 

Established in Southeastern Oklahoma as a trading post in Indian Territory in the late 1800s, McAlester grew to prominence due to its rich coal deposits, which fueled the expansion of the railroad. Reminders of this economic boom time can be seen in the Aldridge Hotel, an elegant structure from the 1930s that features exquisite Art Deco styling.

Just a few blocks away, the historic downtown district is a delight to explore on foot. A relaxed stroll here will take you past leafy neighborhoods with attractive old homes and businesses built in the early 20th century. Check out the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, which has been in operation since 1908 and is one of the oldest prisons in the state.

Muskogee 

Located at the confluence of three rivers – the Arkansas, Verdigris, and Grand Rivers – Muskogee once thrived as a significant port and trade center. Among its most interesting landmarks, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum is housed in the historic Union Agency building and pays homage to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muskogee (Creek), and Seminole tribes who first inhabited the region through its large collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical documents. Three Rivers Museum in the town's Historic Depot District is another must-visit.

USS Batfish & War Memorial Park is another historic site to explore. The park is home to USS Batfish, a World War II submarine boasting a remarkable combat record. The Ataloa Lodge Museum, located on the campus of Bacone College, offers another window into Native American art and culture. 

Tahlequah 

Tahlequah lays claim to the title of the capital of the Cherokee Nation and honors the resilience and cultural richness of the Cherokee people. Located in the scenic foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Tahlequah's historical significance to Native American heritage can best be seen in the Cherokee National Capitol building. Constructed in 1869, this attractive red-brick building was once the seat of the Cherokee government after their forced removal along the Trail of Tears.

The Cherokee Supreme Court Museum built in 1844 and one of the nation's oldest government buildings, offers a unique look at the early legal struggles and triumphs of the Cherokee Nation. The town also hosts the annual Cherokee National Holiday, commemorating the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839.

Kingfisher 

The town of Kingfisher is steeped in pioneer spirit and history. Located 50 miles northwest of the state capital of Oklahoma City, the town's pivotal role during the Land Run of 1889 is celebrated at the Chisholm Trail Museum. Set on the actual grounds of the famous cattle trail, this museum provides details of the people who passed through the region, providing a fascinating look at the state's rugged pioneer past.

Governor Seay's Mansion is also worth checking out. The former residence of Oklahoma's second territorial governor, Abraham Jefferson Seay, this elegant Victorian structure offers a glimpse into the past as well as the town's important role in the state's growth and development. Kingfisher is also the birthplace of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, adding a modern legacy to its storied past.

The Final Word

Oklahoma is home to many oldest-founded small towns, just waiting to share their rich histories with curious travelers. These charming small towns in Oklahoma each have notable historic districts and significant historical charm that make visiting them a must-do proposition for those wanting to learn more about the state's fascinating history.