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Claremore, Oklahoma

This magnificent Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was started circa 1902 by John M. Bayless. He moved here from Missouri. He also built a three-story Opera House, the Sequoyah Hotel, and an athletic building with an indoor swimming pool. Only the Belvidere remains today. He soon brought his wife and 7 children to Claremore. He died in 1907, six months before the mansion was finished. Many of the materials used to build the mansion were brought from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

In the 1930's, the mansion was purchased and made into apartments. It is presently owned and is being restored by the Rogers County Historical Society. The mansion is decorated for Christmas season around the first of November until the middle of December. It is filled with arts and crafts, antiques, gifts...all for sale. Call for the "Christmas At The Belvidere" schedule. New at the Belvidere is a year-round Victorian gift shop, featuring new and antique furniture and gift items.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

J. M. Davis Arms & Historic Museum

The Davis Arms Museum contains the world's largest collection of guns with over 20,000 on display. It is also the home for a large collection of John Rogers statuaries, a stein collection, swords, saddles, Indian artifacts,

Claremore, OK Museums

Christ Presbyterian Church

The Christ Presbyterian Church was purchased from the First United Methodist Church in 1990. In 1882, a one-room frame building was constructed after $500 was given by the Methodist General Conference to erect a house of worship. The church was served by "Circuit Rider" preachers until 1907

Claremore, OK Historic Churches

Rogers 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 Courthouses

Will 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 Hotels

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 Colleges

Things to do near Claremore, OK

Historic Springhouse

Williams Cemetery

Fort Gibson Dam

Sapulpa Historical Museum

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Sequoyah's Salt Works