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Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Small towns like Kingfisher have been the homes of many of the men and women who shaped and changed America. Here is just a sampling of men and women who were born or lived in Kingfisher and made their mark on the town or the country.

J.V. Admire (d. 1911) - He came to Kingfisher in 1889 to be receiver of monies at the U.S. Land Office. He ran the Kingfisher Free Press from 1891 to 1908. In 1891 he was recommended by Oklahoma republicans to be the first Territorial Governor, though President Harrison chose someone else.

Sam Walton (d. 1992) - the founder of the Wal-Mart chain was born in Kingfisher and lived here until he was four years old, when he moved to Missouri.

R.A. Young - The founder of the TG&Y chain opened his first store in Kingfisher in 1927.

Don Blanding (d. 1957) - One of the most popular poets of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s was born in Kingfisher in 1894 but moved shortly thereafter to Enid and then to Lawton where he grew up. He eventually moved to Hawaii where he made his fame.

Apostle Paul Sykes (d. 1929) - This famous local Black preacher ran the Straight Gate Church. For years he would go to the train station and sing for money to keep his church going. He sang "Old Ark's a Moverin, Moverin Right Along, Chillun."

Mollie Shepherd (d. 1985) - Born in Montana, this Native American of the Cheyenne Tribe came to Kingfisher and became famous for writing an Indian News Column in the Kingfisher Times and Free Press that was syndicated all over the United States.

Joseph Danne (d. 1959) - He made his name as the breeder of Triumph and Super Triumph Wheat. As late as 1969, 59 percent of the wheat grown in Oklahoma was Danne Wheat.

Rev. J.H. Parker (d. 1915) - This New Englander came to Kingfisher in 1889 and organized the Congregational Church. In 1895, he founded Kingfisher College which lasted until 1924.

Mary Agnes Thompson (d. 1959) - This Kingfisher native made her name as a storyteller selling stories and articles to national magazines, including the Saturday Evening Post. One of her stories was made into a movie.

Dick Yeager (d. 1895) - Yeager was one of Oklahoma Territory's most notorious outlaws, preying upon people west of Hennessey and often hiding in the Gloss Mountains near Fairview. He was wounded and captured east of Hennessey and taken to Enid where he subsequently died. His rifle is on display at the museum.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Oklahoma Park

Take the kids on a train ride through Oklahoma Park, past the Municipal Golf Course and almost to the front door of the Vernie Snow Aquatic Center. Besides being located between the Vernie Snow Aquatic Center and Kingfisher's 18

Kingfisher, OK Recreation

Chisholm Trail Museum

The Chisholm Trail Museum, named for Jesse Chisholm, is situated directly on the Chisholm Trail and presents artifacts from the historic Chisholm cattle trail. See, first hand, items and their history and Kingfisher's place within.

Native American Artifacts

Kingfisher, OK Museums

Jesse Chisholm Statue

The Chisholm Trail was named after Jesse Chisholm (1805 - 1868), a mixed-blood Cherokee guide and trader. Chisholm had moved goods and cattle over a part of the route and travelers began referring to it as Chisholm's Trail.

Kingfisher, OK Arts

Senator Bowman Home

Among the many sites of interests in and around Kingfisher, one is the Historical Home of Senator George and Edna Bowman. Mrs. Bowman, still residing in the home is always ready to share the history and story of their life in Kingfisher and in Oklahoma.

Kingfisher, OK Historic Homes

Outdoor Sculptures

This sculpture on Main Street is on display for all to admire and to reflect on the history and contributions of those who gave of themselves for the growth of our cities and our country. "The Farmer - He Feeds the World" - Sculptor, Tasso Pitsiri Located above the sculpture is "

Kingfisher, OK Arts

Things to do near Kingfisher, OK

Lake Vincent/ Ellis County Wildlife Management Are

Lake Vincent offers 160 acres of fishing, hunting, boating and primitive camping. A boat ramp and restrooms are available. ...