Rogers County, OK
In the early 1800's, Oklahoma was considered to be the center of the Great American Desert. What is now the area of Rogers County was once a vast wilderness, uninhabited except for wild animals.In 1802, a band of 400-500 Osage Indians from Missouri, led by Chief Glahmo, settled on a 25 acre mound along the Verdigris River to establish a fur trading post. Then in 1817, through a number of treaties, the Cherokee Indians were given this land, and the Osage were moved to a reservation that is now the area of Osage County.
Rogers County was created at statehood in 1907 and named for Clem V. Rogers, a Cherokee elder member of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, and father of famed Will Rogers.
Explore Rogers County
Radium Town and the Keller Bath House
An area in the north section of Claremore was once known as RADIUM TOWN. George Eaton owned the first oil company in town. In 1903, he was drilling east of town for oil or gas. Instead, he found a "rotten-egg-smelling"
Claremore, OK Historic BuildingsFirst Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church occupies a corner lot in one of Claremore's oldest residential areas. The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Claremore was organized in 1887 and services were held in homes until the Gothic Revival style building was constructed in 1902, 5
Claremore, OK Historic ChurchesWoodlawn Cemetery
At Will Rogers Blvd and Nome Street, you will enter WOODLAWN CEMETERY. Continue south as you enter the cemetery to 6th Street and turn left to "B" Avenue. On your left is the marker for playwright, Lynn Riggs.
Andy Payne and Route 66
Nine miles north of Claremore on Route 66 is Foyil, the hometown of ANDY PAYNE, a Cherokee Indian who was born on a ranch between Claremore and Foyil. At "66" and 28A, turn south, and you will be on the main street of Foyil and a portion of the original Route "66"
Claremore, OK Famous PeopleWill Rogers Birthplace
Will Rogers would feel right at home at the Dog Iron Ranch where he was born in 1879. The birthplace, located just a few miles northeast of Oologah, is now a living history ranch. Hand-hewed logs frame the room where Will Rogers was born on a sprawling frontier ranch. A recorded message by Will'
Oologah, OK Famous HomesRogers University Conservation Education Reserve
Rogers University Conservation Education Reserve is a 120 acre natural resource conservation education facility adjacent to the main campus of Rogers University. Bird watching, wildlife observation, outdoor photography, walking trails, picnicking, and fishing are available.
Claremore, OK Learning CentersLynn Riggs Memorial
The south wing of the Old Will Rogers Library is the Lynn Riggs Memorial. Rollie Lynn Riggs was born in 1899, 3 miles southwest of Claremore in Indian Territory. He became an internationally famous author and playwright of "Green Grow the Lilacs", from which the musical "Oklahoma!"
Claremore, OK MemorialsWill Rogers Memorial
The Will Rogers Memorial is built on the lofty hillside of 21 acres that Will Rogers purchased in 1911. In the foreground is the tomb of Will Rogers chiseled with his famous quotation: "I never met a man I didn't like."
Claremore, OK MemorialsBelvidere
This magnificent Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was started circa 1902
Claremore, OK MuseumsRogers County Courthouse
The county dedicated its first Court House in 1937, 30 years after statehood. The decision was made to purchase the property and went to the vote of the people. The bond issue failed twice but finally carried on the third try. There have been several additions to the original building.
Claremore, OK Historic CourthousesOld Armory
The Oklahoma National Guard Armory was built by the WPA in 1936 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term and was constructed by local Claremore residents with the sandstone unearthed in Oklahoma. During the 1940'
Claremore, OK Historic Buildings