Lincoln County, OK
The Plains Indians roamed this area for hundreds of years before it was turned over to the Iowa, Sac and Fox, Citizen Potawatomi and Absentee Shawnee Indian tribes after the 1866 treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation. In 1890, the government bought the land again and designated two counties as County A and County B, whose county seats historically became the only two cities in Oklahoma to be settled by their own land run. County A became Lincoln County.Prior to settlement, this area had no rail link with the outside world and cattle trails were established for marketing purposes. One such trail, the West Shawnee Cattle Trail, entered Lincoln County between Meeker and Prague and angled northeast to near Stroud, then northwesterly out of Lincoln County near Avery. A number of roads were also cut across the county for marketing access. The first road, the "Ozark Trail," crossed the county at approximately the same course as the old "U.S. Highway 66." The location of Lincoln County and its mesh of highways form good transportation routes to the major cities of Oklahoma.
Lincoln county has contributed much to the development of the history of Oklahoma. The fourth governor of the state was from Lincoln County. James B.A. Robertson served as governor from 1919 to 1923. Also, a native of Kendrick, Roy J. Turner, was elected governor and served his state from 1949 to 1951.
Athletes Jim Thorpe, Carl Hubbell, Paul and Lloyd Waner all honored Lincoln County history.
John Embry, who homesteaded northeast of Chandler, served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma from 1907-1912. During that time he was instrumental in restoring the right to vote to the Negroes who had been stripped of that privilege by the so-called, "Grandfather Law."
Bill Tilghman, a pioneer making the run in 1891, was elected sheriff of Lincoln County in 1900. He served as United States Marshal and became known as "Two-Gun Bill." Tilghman and J. Benny Kent, a cameraman who lived in rural Lincoln County, produced a single movie entitled "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaw." Tilghman was the director as well as star of the movie.
In early statehood years, Chandler was considered the militia center of the state. It is headquarters to the First Battalion, 160th Field artillery of the 45th Infantry Brigade. The battalion strives to maintain the highest standards of artillery training.
Many Czechoslovakian settlers came to the Prague area and contributed their skills in the development of that farming and business community.
Explore Lincoln County
Jim Thorpe Birthsite Monument
JAMES FRANCIS THORPE, SAC AND FOX INDIAN NAME OF WA-THO-HUCK "BRIGHT PATH." BORN MAY 22, 1887, SOUTH OF PRESENT-DAY PRAGUE. ATTENDED HASKELL INDIAN SCHOOL, KANSAS AND CARLISLE INSTITUTE, PENNSYLVANIA WHERE HE EXCELLED IN FOOTBALL AND TRACK. AT 1912
Prague, OK MonumentsKee-Tilghman-Erwin House
National Register of Historic Places Built in 1898 by O.B. Kee, this mansard-roofed home was purchased in 1901 by famed Deputy U.S. Marshal, William Mathew "Bill" Tilghman, Lincoln County homesteader, sheriff, state senator, and one of the territorial lawmen known as the "Three Guardsmen."
Chandler, OK Historic HomesNational Guard Artillery Encampment
The Statistical House was built in 1907 at Chandler to house officers and scorekeepers compiling results of rifle practices and competitions during Oklahoma National Guard encampments and other training sessions. It later served half a century as housing for Business and professional Women'
Chandler, OK MemorialsChandler High School
National Register of Historic Places Built by the WPA in 1942 of native limestone.
Chandler, OK Historic BuildingsPrague Historical Museum
The Prague Historical Museum is housed in the former Parks Brothers Funeral Home, built in 1937. The Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and documents which tell the history of the Prague area from the Land Run in 1891 to the present day. Prague became an instant town in 1902
Prague, OK MuseumsBohemian Hall
The Bohemian Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was the center of the rich culture of the Czechoslovakian gatherings whether it be for dancing, song, performances, or simply the warmth and friendship of sharing their familiar heritage.
Prague, OK Historic BuildingsChandler Lake
Chandler Lake is the smaller of the two lakes in Chandler.
The lake offers excellent fishing while being adjacent to the Chandler Municipal Golf Course. There is plenty of parking and it does provide aboat ramp.
FEE SCHEDULE
Chandler, OK Recreation
Historical Murals
Five murals are displayed on the north wall of the Pioneer Museum. The acrylic paintings were done by artist and sculptor, Fred Olds, of Guthrie, Oklahoma. They are gifts of Col. and Mrs. John Embry, and depict area history. 1. Arrival Indians; 2. Cattle trails, first settlements; 3. Religion;
Chandler, OK ArtsChandler Golf Course
The Chandler Golf Course is more than the ordinary 9-hole golf course. It also offers a Practice Putting Green and Driving Range. There is a club house lounge as well as snacks, sandwiches, chips, and cold drinks. There are cart rentals, club rentals, golf accessories, and restroom facilities.
Chandler, OK Golf CoursesFirst Presbyterian Church
National Register of Historic Places Built in 1894 of lumber hauled by wagons from Guthrie, Oklahoma, this structure was one of few, if any public buildings left intact after the tragic cyclone of 1897
Chandler, OK Historic ChurchesBell Cow Lake
Bell Cow Lake has four recreation and camping areas, two on the North Side and two on the South Side.
North Side of the Lake
Area A
Pavilion
Five Parking Sites (No Electricity)
Restroom Facilities
Chandler, OK Recreation
National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague
At the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, thanksgiving and honor are given to Jesus Christ in his humanity.
Prague, OK Shrines