LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Claremore, Oklahoma

Claremore, Oklahoma

We invite you to visit where we live, where the likes of Will Rogers grew up, along with astronaut Stuart Roosa, and Mrs. Sam (Helen) Walton, the recently retired JC Penney Chairman of the Board, W.R. Howell, where singer Pattie Page was born, where long-time and famous rodeo announcer, Clem McSpadden lives, where author Lynn Riggs wrote about his youth growing up in the area through his story "Green Grow the Lilacs" which Rodgers and Hammerstein transformed into the beautiful production of "Oklahoma!" Andy Payne from the Foyil area won the first "transcontinental" foot race referred to as the Bunion Derby in 1928. Who knows what future notables are growing up here now!

Claremore History

What is now Claremore, Oklahoma was once a vast wilderness practically uninhabited except for wild animals. In 1802, a band of Osage Indians settled on a 25 acre mound along the Verdigris River. The mound became known as Clermont, French for "clear mountain" and Glahmo, the osage chief became known as Chief Clermont. After the infamous "Trail of Tears", the Cherokees were given title to the land, and the Osage were removed to a reservation, later called Osage County.

The Cherokees were remarkable people. They prospered, organized constitutional governments, established towns, published newspapers, magazines and books, and established an extensive educational system. The Historic Tour of Claremore is not just about places, but the story of people and the Indian heritage that is woven together to make this a little city with a big Hall of Fame.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Andy Payne and Route 66

Nine miles north of Claremore on Route 66 is Foyil, the hometown of ANDY PAYNE, a Cherokee Indian who was born on a ranch between Claremore and Foyil. At "66" and 28A, turn south, and you will be on the main street of Foyil and a portion of the original Route "66"

Claremore, OK Famous People

Will Rogers Memorial

The Will Rogers Memorial is built on the lofty hillside of 21 acres that Will Rogers purchased in 1911. In the foreground is the tomb of Will Rogers chiseled with his famous quotation: "I never met a man I didn't like."

Claremore, OK Memorials

Radium Town and the Keller Bath House

An area in the north section of Claremore was once known as RADIUM TOWN. George Eaton owned the first oil company in town. In 1903, he was drilling east of town for oil or gas. Instead, he found a "rotten-egg-smelling"

Claremore, OK Historic Buildings

Old Armory

The Oklahoma National Guard Armory was built by the WPA in 1936 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term and was constructed by local Claremore residents with the sandstone unearthed in Oklahoma. During the 1940'

Claremore, OK Historic Buildings

Rogers County Courthouse

The county dedicated its first Court House in 1937, 30 years after statehood. The decision was made to purchase the property and went to the vote of the people. The bond issue failed twice but finally carried on the third try. There have been several additions to the original building.

Claremore, OK Historic Courthouses

Things to do near Claremore, OK