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
Belvidere
This magnificent Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was started circa 1902
Claremore, OK MuseumsRadium 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 BuildingsAndy 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 PeopleFirst 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 ChurchesWill 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 MemorialsLynn 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 Center
The WILL ROGERS HOTEL, listed on the National Register of Historic Places was dedicated in 1930. The fireproof structure of concrete and steel originally contained 78 rooms and 7 apartments. During World War II, it was designated as a bomb shelter. Mineral water baths called "radium water"
Claremore, OK Historic HotelsRogers 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 CourthousesClaremore's Expo-Center
The City of Claremore has redeveloped its old city/county fair grounds by removing all structures, and acquiring additional acreage, bringing the area to more than 55 acres. The major addition has been bulding the Expo Center.
Arena Area
Claremore, OK Expo Centers
Rogers State University
When Oklahoma was granted statehood, the first legislature established Eastern University Preparatory School, which opened on College Hill in Claremore in 1909
Claremore, OK CollegesWoodlawn 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.
