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
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 CollegesWill 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 HotelsClaremore Lake
Claremore Lake features 500 surface acres for boating and great bass fishing (no swimming allowed). There are 2 boat ramps, courtesy dock and 3 fishing piers, 1 for senior citizens and disabled children, 2 for general public use. Enhancing the lake is a 60
Claremore, OK RecreationWill 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 MemorialsRadium 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 BuildingsJ. 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 MuseumsRogers 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 CentersClaremore'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
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 PeopleRogers 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 BuildingsChrist 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