Okmulgee County, OK
"Like an emerald in a Golden Crown, Okmulgee County has nothing but luster and brightness in all her surroundings." These lovely and fittingly eloquent words were penned by an early Okmulgee County newspaper.This county prides itself in the sanctity of its small-town charms, while enjoying its "just right" proximity of 30 miles to the Tulsa metropolitan area - truly the best of both worlds not only for growing families but for growing businesses.
Okmulgee County has a history rich in oil discoveries and coal mining. The county seat of Okmulgee became home to five refineries able to process one-third of the county's raw, liquid wealth, leading the state in coal production.
Okmulgee County is home to three lakes offering fishing, boating, camping and swimming, and another 8 major lakes are within an easy 75 miles drive. Everyone from hunting enthusiasts to bird watchers enjoy miles of the wooded beauty and animal life of the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, located in the bottomlands of the Deep Fork River running through Okmulgee County.
Local festivals take place throughout the year, giving rise to celebrate pecan growers with the annual Okmulgee Pecan Festival. Numerous other festivals including an annual 50s Bash, Mayfair,labor Day Festival, Indian Art Market, Chili Festival, and Festival of Light are held; as well as two larger well-known rodeos - the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo paying tribute to the legendary black cowboy, and Henryetta's Living Legends rodeo celebrating the community's home-grown world famous cowboys.
Many towns' existence in Okmulgee County date back to Oklahoma's very beginnings, largely the product of early Indian settlers. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 brought many of Okmulgee County's very first settlers, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. In addition, approximately 1,000 slaves and an unknown number of others of African descent accompanied the Creek Indians when they left Alabama and Georgia for Indian Territory in the mid-1830s. After the Civil War, these former slaves were adopted into the Creek tribe and were known as the "Creek Freedman."
Explore Okmulgee County
Creek Nation Tribal Complex
The Creek Nation Tribal Complex serves as the government headquarters for the Creek Nation including all divisions of tribal government.
Okmulgee, OK Ethnic HeritageHistoric Churches
Episcopal Church - Built in 1902, the building was originally the home of the Methodist Church and remained so until 1911, when it was purchased by the Episcopal Church for the sum of $2,000. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Okmulgee, OK Historic Churches
Orpheum Theatre
Entertainment came of age in Okmulgee as a result of oil money. Okmulgee was home to two Vaudeville theatres, one of which still stands today. The Orpheum Theatre has undergone renovation and features first run movies and special events today. The Cook Theatre was built by L.H.D. Cook (
Okmulgee, OK Historic TheatresOSU-Okmulgee
OSU-Okmulgee is a vital part of the community. The university, with a world-class reputation, provides over 40 degree programs in advancing technologies and an outstanding culinary arts program as well.
Okmulgee, OK CollegesOkmulgee Library
The Okmulgee Public Library, organized in 1907 by a local women's civic organization, was incorporated in 1910, and became a department of the City in 1914. The present Library building, the result of $100,000 in bonds voted for library purposes, was dedicated May 27, 1922
Okmulgee, OK Historic BuildingsOkmulgee Golf Course
For golfers, Okmulgee Country Club's course is open to the public on weekdays. Established in 1920 with a "very average" course, the country club now boasts of having one of the better 9-hole courses in the state. It is an attractive course benefiting from an aggressive tree planting program.
Okmulgee, OK Golf CoursesHenryetta Lake
Fishing, Boating, Skiing, Fishing Piers, Boat Ramps, Camping at Nichols Park.
Henryetta, OK RecreationOil Mansions
Okmulgee is very uncommon. Steeped in history, Okmulgee is home to an eclectic mix of people, buildings, and cultures. Oilmen and money carved Okmulgee out of terra cotta and stone. The city boasts some of the finest architecture and architectural details in the state.
Okmulgee, OK Historic HomesHistoric Downtown - Severs Block
Springing up as a trading area around the Creek Council House, downtown Okmulgee grew by leaps and bounds in the early part of the Twentieth Century. The city boasts some of the finest architecture and architectural details in the state. The Servers Block was a testament to one of Okmulgee'
Okmulgee, OK Historic DistrictsCreek Council House Museum
The heart of Okmulgee is the town square featuring the Creek Council House Museum. Erected in 1878, the museum building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is acknowledged as a National Historic Landmark. The Museum was established in 1923
Okmulgee, OK Museums