Green Country, Oklahoma
From sprawling cattle ranches to curlicued Art Deco skyscrapers, Osage brush arbors to Route 66 diners, northeastern Oklahoma is where the American Dream met the American West. The area's Native American roots can be traced back to the prehistoric Spiro Mound Builders -- the story of the 12th century empire they built is told at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Park near Poteau. In the 19th Century, the Cherokee tribe built their capitol on the green banks of the Illinois River and Creek Indian councils met under a massive oak in "Tulsey Town." The Osage tribe moved from Kansas to Pawhuska, named for the Osage chief, on the border of the tall grass prairie; the tribe was confident the roots of the rich grass were so thick and deep the land would never be plowed by settlers. The discovery of vast seas of oil beneath the prairies changed the face of northeastern Oklahoma -- Tulsey Town became Tulsa, "Oil Capitol of the World," and nearby Bartlesville grew from a Delaware trading post to a cosmopolitan town boasting a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper.
Explore Green Country
Constantine Community Center
The theater was originally built as the Pawhuska House Hotel in the 1880's. In 1911, Mr. C.C. Constantine purchased the building and remodeled it into the elegant Constantine Theater. In 1987, a group of concerned citizens began a long, tedious renovation. It is now over 90%
Pawhuska, OK Historic TheatresTsa-La-Gi Outdoor Theater
Also located on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center is the Tsa-La-Gi Theater, a 1,200
Tahlequah, OK TheatresMurrell Home
The Murrell Home was built in the new Cherokee Nation about 1845 by George M. Murrell. Murrell was a native Virginain who married Minerva Ross in 1834. Minerva was a member of a wealthy mixed-blood Cherokee/Scottish family, and the niece of Chief John Ross.
Tahlequah, OK Museums1903 Building
This interesting building is located on the corner of south Lee across from the Fort Gibson State Bank.
Fort Gibson, OK Historic BuildingsSeminary Hall at Northeastern State University
This four-year regional university has a long and colorful heritage which began in 1846 when the Cherokee National Council authorized establishment of the National Male Seminary and National Female Seminary.
Tahlequah, OK Historic BuildingsFort Gibson Historic Site
Beginning in the early 1920s, local residents sought to preserve Fort Gibson's History. In 1936, the stockade area was reconstructed by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Works Progress Administration, and the Fort Gibson Stockade Commission. Today, the Site is a
Fort Gibson, OK FortsGrand Trolley
Enjoy riding the Grand Trolley! There is no scurry, hurry or traffic flow problems when you ride the Grand Trolley during your vacation time! Step aboard and enjoy the perfect combination of sightseeing fun, historic highlights, shopping convenience and the experience of riding the trolley.
Grove, OK ExcursionsGrand Lake 4 x 4 Action
If extreme 4x4 action is what you want, Grand Lake offers plenty to keep you satisfied! From rugged wooded trails to sheer rock faces, the base of Pensacola Dam has terrain for any type of vehicle. Throughout the year, you will find drivers testing their abilities in such places as the "
, OK ORV AreasOld Baptist Mission
The establishment of the Baptist Mission marked the end of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Sunday services are still held in the 1888 church. The historical marker on the front lawn reads:
"About 4 miles north and west
Establsihed by Rev. Jesse Busyhead in 1839
Westville, OK Historic Churches
1903 IOOF Home
One Checotah National Historic Landmark which continues the service which began just after the turn of the century is the IOOF Home. In 1902, a farm of 160 acres and $5,000 was offered by W.E. Gentry and his wife, Sallie, and was accepted by the IOOF. The local lodge, chartered in 1895
Checotah, OK Historic BuildingsBlacksmith House
Built in 1871, this 5 room house with native timbers and 18" thick sandstone walls was the first to be built in Pawhuska. When the Osage were moved from Kansas, Sid Delarue, a Swiss blacksmith, was promised the house if he would come to care for their horses. Listed on the
Pawhuska, OK Pioneer HistoryUnited Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Checotah, OK Historic Churches