Ponca City, Oklahoma

Ponca City, Oklahoma

Ponca City was founded on September 16, 1893 when the great land run opened the Cherokee Strip to white settlement. Named for one of five neighboring tribes of Indians, Ponca's heritage was based on agriculture, oil and industry. During the oil boom years, local philanthropists and influential citizens built many of the historic buildings in Ponca City, giving a rich heritage of architectural treasures.

In the summer of 1893, a survey of the land that now comprises Ponca City was completed and lots were mapped. Certificates for lots in Ponca City were sold by the Ponca Townsite Company for $2 each and each certificate was good for either one business lot or one residential lot. Over 2,300 certificates were sold. A little girl drew the cards from a box placed on Grand Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets. From these drawings attendants recorded the certificate owners' names and lot selections in large bound books. This is believed to be the first instance of a new city being started with a town lot drawing. It took two days to complete the drawings and Ponca City was born.

Even though Ponca City began with the 1893 land run, it was the '20s when the city came alive. Outlandish parties, wild new music -- a time of gay abandon. It was roaring good fun.

Another roaring was that of the oil wells and with that sound came money. Money that left its indelible mark on our community -- beautiful golf courses, posh hotels, lavish homes, rich gardens, a grand theater -- an elegant legacy upon which our citizens today continue to build.

Welcome to Ponca City!. Immerse yourself in our history.

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Attractions near Ponca City, Oklahoma

Heritage Hills Public Golf Course

Open Daily * 18 holes * Carts available * Snack bar ...

Wagoner Archery Assoc.

Excellent Archery Range! This range has both indoor and outdoor archery. Located on Ft. Gibson Lake. Ranges are setup for com...

Centennial Plaza
Centennial Plaza

The Centennial Plaza, with its backdrop of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was started as a project for the Centenni...

Parker Ferris Wheel
Parker Ferris Wheel

Every August for over 90 years, Mountain View, Oklahoma holds its annual free fair. Dominating the skyline is a 1920's Parker...

Meeker Lake

Water Recreation, Fishing, Hunting, Primitive Camping. ...

Freedom Trail Playground

Equipped for disabled and able-bodied children; western frontier theme....

Riverside Municipal Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Maple Park Sports Complex
Maple Park Sports Complex

Wagoner is truly blessed with it's parks and wonderful sports complex. The Maple Park Sports complex and park is one of Wagon...

Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue
Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue

The Pioneer Woman Statue was commissioned by E. W. Marland. This 17 foot bronze is on the National Register of Historic Pl...

Upcoming Events near Ponca City, Oklahoma

Country Harvest & Craft Festival

Start Date: Fri August, 23rd
Billed as one of the largest antique and craft festivals in North Central Oklahoma, it is a shopper's delight. Bent willow fu...

Whea-Esta Celebration

Start Date: Fri August, 9th
.....bidding summer goodbye and welcoming fall, Whea Esta has long brought the community together for a celebration of Okeene...

Christmas in the Park & Carriage Rides

Start Date: Fri December, 6th
6:00 p.m....

Wrangler Rodeo

Start Date: Fri July, 26th
Parade, pet parade, dance and rodeo events. 8pm....

Juneteenth Celebration

Start Date: Fri June, 14th
The Celebration will have games and events for children, 3 on 3 Basketball (entry and fee required), Bingo, music and free lu...

The Tonkawa Pow-Wow Committee would like to welcome each and everyone to our celebration.  It has been one, so looked forward to, and now, we breathe and give thanks to those who have come and will share in our noted historical event. We all come from great tribes; who have been led by great chiefs; who have made these celebration days something to be apart of and remembered. We hope you will enjoy yourselves, enjoy the time shared between friends and family and remain safe throughout the year.
We look forward to seeing you every year from now on! Fri 7pm, Sat-Sun 3pm.
Tonkawa Tribal Pow Wow

Start Date: Fri June, 21st
The Tonkawa Pow-Wow Committee would like to welcome each and everyone to our celebration. It has been one, so looked forward...

Summer Concerts on the Square

Start Date: Fri June, 28th
Join us on the square downtown for an enjoyable "Blues" concert, bring the lawn chairs and the kids. Food and drinks will be...

Annual Relay for Life - American Cancer Society

Start Date: Fri June, 7th
Starts at 7:00 p.m....

Red Line Cup Qualifier & Race For Life Weekend

Start Date: Fri June, 7th
Friday, June 12: Sign Up: 6:00 -7:30 PM - Race: 7:45 PM Saturday, June 13: Sign Up: 1:00-2:30 PM - Race: 2:45 PM Sunday, ...

Summer Concerts on the Square

Start Date: Fri June, 7th
FREE outdoor Concert on the Square, come and join us for a first-class Gospel concert. Bring your lawn chairs and the kids a...

Ponca City Map

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