Blaine County, OK
Blaine County sits on the north flank of the Anadarko Basin, the deepest known basin in the continental United States and a great reservoir of petroleum and natural gas. In Roman Nose State Park elevations can reach 1,500 feet, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mesas.The dramatic scenery of the area were formed by erosion of gypsum and shale laid down over 200 million years ago. Gypsum is the soft, white rock deposited when this area was a large inland sea, similar to the Dead Sea in Israel. Shale is the reddish-brown soft rock formed from the mud of river beds which crossed this area when the inland sea dried up.
Another natural wonder: fresh water springs (the largest collection in north-western Oklahoma) that stay a chilly 56 to 60 degrees, year round. The Spring of Everlasting Waters gurgles forth from subterranean rivers at the rate of 600 gallons per minute, feeding a recreational paradise of water and wildlife.
Blaine County is the site of the first gypsum mill in Oklahoma Territory, the Ruby Stucco Mill, Southard, located in the north central part of the county, is the site of one of the purest gypsum deposits in the United States. The U.S. Gypsum Company is the largest industrial plant in the county.
The International Association of Rattlesnake Hunters has headquarters in Okeene, which is also the site of its Jaycees Annual Rattlesnake Hunt.
The Canton Lake Walleye Pike Rodeo and Fishing Derby occurs annually at Canton Lake, Oklahoma's leading fisherman's paradise. The Walleye Rodeo is Oklahoma's oldest and largest fishing tournament.
Roman Nose State Park is located seven miles north of Watonga, the county seat and site of the Watonga Cheese Factory and the annual Watonga Cheese Festival. Watonga, was named for Watangaa, or Black Coyote, an Arapahoe leader.
Originally designated as "C" County in 1890, Blaine was adopted as the county name in November 1892, in honor of James G. Blaine, U.S. Senator, House Speaker, and Republican presidential candidate in 1884.
Explore Blaine County
Chief Roman Nose
Roman Nose State Park near Watonga, Oklahoma, is named after the Southern Cheyenne Chief, Henry Roman Nose (often confused with the Northern Cheyenne Chief roman Nose, killed at the Battle of Arickaree in eastern Colorado, 1868). Born June 30, 1856
Watonga, OK Famous PeopleOkeene Mill
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the Okeene Mill, which was built in 1901, with a storage capacity of 16,000 bushels of wheat and production of 20,000
Okeene, OK National RegisterWatonga Cheese Factory - Retail Outlet
Watonga Cheese has a new facility in a new town but prides itself in its 70-year tradition to produce rich, handmade cheddar cheese full of flavor. Now located in Perryton, TX we continue to use the original equipment and recipe that makes our factory stand out from the rest!
Watonga, OK Venue AttractionsNoble House
The current Noble House structure was built in 1912 by Abe Bills, and replaced an old landmark wooden rooming house. The lower level of the new building housed a residence and a barber shop for Mr. Bills, his wife and daughter. The upstairs portion served as a rooming house. Abe Bills'
Watonga, OK Famous HomesRose Building - 1911
Mr. Rose built a two-story brick building in 1911. He owned and operated a hardware store on the ground level. The upstairs had several interesting businesses including a pool hall, photograph studio and dental offices. Watonga'
Watonga, OK Historic BuildingsBarbara's - 1892
The first owner purchased this building from the US Government in 1892. According to a local historian the owner accumulated a lot of property in and around Watonga. This property has been under the same ownership as 104 W. Main since 1951. Seven couples have owned this property from 1892 to date.
Watonga, OK Historic BuildingsTemptations
While you are strolling the streets and enjoying history you may like to stop by Temptations and see what is in store for you. In 1986 new owners purchased the building and wanted to stay within the era of our prairie architect. They did just that. They uncovered a ghost sign on the wall. It reads:
Watonga, OK Historic BuildingsBlaine County Courthouse
The Blaine County Courthouse was built in 1906 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Watonga, OK Historic CourthousesRoman Nose State Park
Nestled in a magnificent canyon, embraced by crimson shale bluffs and milky gypsum hills, Roman Nose was once a favorite retreat of the Cheyenne Indians. And no wonder, The Spring of Everlasting Waters gurgles forth from subterranean rivers at the rate of 600
Okeene, OK RecreationArmory Building
The Armory Building was built in 1936 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Watonga, OK Historic BuildingsFerguson Chapel
Reverend G.V. Albertson joined the great race into what is now Blaine County and staked a lot for the Presbyterian Church in Watonga. In December of 1901 eleven members met to organize a Presbyterian Church. The cost to build the church was $1,387.99. Wages were paid to workers on the church were $2
Watonga, OK Historic Churches