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Checotah, Oklahoma

Checotah's library is named in honor of the Pulitzer Prize winner, Jim Griffing Lucas.

* A third generation Checotahan born June 22, 1914,

*A 1931 graduate of Checotah High School and a champion debator, attended the University of Missouri;

*a Marine Corps volunteer who won a battlefield commission with a Bronze Star during the Southwest pacific Battle of Tarawa, 1943; and also fought at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima; given the "National Headliners Award" for best reporting, 1943; and later, the VFW Omar Bradley Award and the American Legion Fourth Estate Award;

*a member of Admiral Richard E. Byrd's 1947 Expedition to the South Pole;

*a 25-year reporter for Scripps-Howard as a Washington and foreign correspondent;

*chosen as the Pulitzer Prize winner for journalism, 1954, and selected for two Ernie Pyle awards; 1953, Korean War; and 1964, Vietnam Conflict;

*the only journalist ever called to give a briefing at the White House before the President and 100 Congressional leaders;

*author of three books;

*buried with full military ceremony in Checotah in his family's plot, July 21, 1970;

*was honored by his hometown with the naming of Jim Lucas Memorial Library, May 2, 1971.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Katy Depot Museum & Information Center

The KATY DEPOT was built in 1890 and is the M.K.&T.'s oldest surviving wooden station. Checotah was established as a railhead in 1872

Checotah, OK Museums

Honey Springs Civil War Battlefield

Honey Springs Battlefield Memorial Park has gained national prestige as being listed on the National Map of Civil War Sites. On July 17, 1863, smoke billowed and cannons roared when nearly 6,000 Confederates were defeated by 3,400 Federals just 3 1/2 miles northeast of Checotah, Oklahoma.

Checotah, OK Battlesites

Indian Territory Cemetery

The Indian Territory Cemetery has markers dating from 1872 to 1912.

Checotah, OK Cemeteries

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 Buildings

Checotah Roundup Club Rodeos

Rodeo has always been a part of Checotah's history. This area is home to many champion cowboys and cowgirls, some of which always return to compete in Old Settler's Day events, including the annual Checotah Round-up Club rodeo.

Checotah, OK Rodeos

Things to do near Checotah, OK

Appalachia Bay ORV Area

Located on Keystone Lake, this 600 acre area is maintained by the Corps of Engineers. Many of the locals refer to this area a...

Sequoyah State Park Golf

Birch Lake Hunting

Hunting opportunities are good at Birch Lake. Principal game species for hunting enthusiasts include bobwhite quail, mourning...

MainStreet Gallery and Gifts

Coyote Ridge Summer Camp and Riding Facility

We offer Summer camps for children 6 years to 14 years during the months of June thru August. In the interum time we offer t...