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Vinita, Oklahoma

Vinita, Oklahoma

Vinita is the second oldest town in Oklahoma and is the oldest incorporated one on Oklahoma Route 66. Vinita was also the first town in Oklahoma with electricity. It was established in 1871 and was originally named Downingville. The name was later changed to Vinita, in honor of Vinnie Ream, the sculptress who created the life-size statue of Lincoln at the United States Capitol. The name change was spearheaded by Elias Boudinot, son of a famous Cherokee traitor, or patriot, depending on whom you talk to. His father and 34 others sold the Cherokee ancestral lands to the U.S. government, resulting in the Cherokee Trail of Tears Mass Migration in 1838-39. Not surprisingly, the sale of the land split the Cherokee Nation politically and the streets in Vinita are named for prominent leaders and citizens on both sides of the dispute.

"America's Crossroads," Vinita was founded at the crossroads of the railroads. Today, Historic Route 66, Interstate 44, U.S. Highways 69 and 60, and State Highway 2 bring travelers and motor freight carriers to Vinita. Vinita is also the intersection point for Burlington Northern and Union Pacific Railroads.

We consider Vinita one of Oklahoma's best kept secrets, and we're glad to share the secret with you. You'll find Vinita a great place to be. We have a beautifully restored, historic shopping district, with a wide variety of shops and boutiques. While here you can enjoy the golf course and savory dining, play in our three municipal parks, and study our history in the Eastern Trails Museum.

You will not find kinder smiles or more helpful hands then those of the citizens who love Vinita and want to share its charm with others. Visit Vinita and see for yourself what our town has to offer. Don't miss our many events focusing on our community's rich cowboy culture such as the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo or the World's Largest Calf Fry Festival in September. Vinita is a great place to visit or live.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Little Cabin Pecan Company

Little Cabin Pecan Company is located just east of Vinita, Oklahoma on U.S. Highways 60, 69 and Historic Route 66. We're on the road to beautiful Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma.

Vinita, OK Venues

Eastern Trails Museum

Anyone interested in learning more about Vinita'

Vinita, OK Museums

The Battle of Cabin Creek

Although Vinita wasn't founded until 1871, there was a great number of settlers in the area before then. Not far from Vinita, Cabin Creek, was the site of two Civil War battles. The first battle fought in early July of 1863, crediting the Buffalo Soldiers resulted in a Union victory. In 1864

Vinita, OK Battlesites

Historic Homes Tour

There are 38 recognized pre-statehood and early statehood era homes in Vinita. Self-guided walking tours and maps with narratives on the homes are available at the Eastern Trails Museum and the Vinita Chamber of Commerce. Listed below are a few examples.

223 S. Smith Vinita, OK Tours


Vinita Public Library

Vinita Public Library offers many services throughout the year. Bestsellers fly onto our shelves as soon as they're released. Large print titles, popular paperbacks, audio books and videos are available in great variety. Youngsters enjoy our annual Summer Reading Program and the best in children'

Vinita, OK Libraries

Things to do near Vinita, OK