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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

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

Rogers State University

When Oklahoma was granted statehood, the first legislature established Eastern University Preparatory School, which opened on College Hill in Claremore in 1909

Claremore, OK Colleges

Will Rogers Center

The WILL ROGERS HOTEL, listed on the National Register of Historic Places was dedicated in 1930. The fireproof structure of concrete and steel originally contained 78 rooms and 7 apartments. During World War II, it was designated as a bomb shelter. Mineral water baths called "radium water"

Claremore, OK Historic Hotels

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

J. Bartley Milam Home

This private home was originally built by J. BARTLEY MILAM, Principal Chief of the Cherokees. The Cherokee government had been dismantled in 1907 when Oklahoma became a state. In 1941, Milam was appointed Chief for a year by Franklin D. Roosevelt and was reappointed until his death in 1949

Claremore, OK Historic Homes

Things to do near Claremore, OK

Gordon Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Old Will Rogers Library

The Old Will Rogers Library is now occupied by the City of Claremore. A year before his death, Will Rogers donated his lots i...