Kay County, OK
The old settlement of Washungah is located within the Federal Corps of Engineers project lands of Kaw Reservoir. It was the site for the Kaw Agency, Kaw Cemetery, and a trading post. Included among its buildings were a boarding school dormitory, infirmary, the superintendent's home and the school which later became the Kaw Council House. The council house has been moved to higher ground and reconstructed, stone by stone, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kaw Cemetery was also relocated to a higher elevation and is now located near the city of Newkirk, Oklahoma.
Another historical site located on the corps lands is the Deer Creek archeological site located in the vicinity of Traders Bend Park area. This site, which is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is believed to represent an early French trading post and Indian village. The French first entered the area in 1719, and shortly thereafter, trade with the Indians was established.
Other points of historical interest located in the county are the famed "Pioneer Woman" statue and museum and the Marland Mansion, both of which are located in Ponca City. Also located seven miles southwest of Ponca City is the site of the once sprawling famous 101 Ranch "White House." This was once one of the world's largest ranches and was often visited by Presidents and Kings and the rich and famous from all points of the world.
In 1902 "Old Kaw City," now inundated by the waters of Kaw Lake, was founded as a farming community in the fertile oxbow bend of the Arkansas River. It later became a booming oil town when oil was discovered nearby. Today, a new Kaw City is located on higher ground near the lake.
Explore Kay County
Centennial Plaza
The Centennial Plaza, with its backdrop of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was started as a project for the Centennial year of the 1893
Ponca City, OK ArtsMarland Estate Mansion
Marland modeled his dream home after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. Breathtakingly beautiful, this "Palace on the Prairie"
Ponca City, OK MuseumsMcCarter Museum
In 1997, the Tonkawa Historical Society purchased a building in downtown Tonkawa to house a museum. Ideally located directly across from Centennial Park, the McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History was opened on July 4th, 1997. The innovative interior layout was designed to tell a series of "stories."
Tonkawa, OK MuseumsE.W. Marland
E.W. Marland was born May 8, 1874 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied to be an attorney, graduating from University of Michigan Law School at the age of nineteen. Marland?s years of practicing law led him to an interest in geology and a career in the oil industry. He prospered in
Ponca City, OK NotablesFrances Willard
The life of Frances Willard is memorialized in two beautiful stained glass windows that were dedicated at the Blackwell Church where Frances Willard was a member. The windows are preserved at the Top of Oklahoma Museum remembering "Our Uncrowned Queen."
Blackwell, OK Famous People
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 Places. The newly expanded museum features exhibits of women who have made outstanding "pioneering"
Ponca City, OK Arts