Will Rogers Birthplace

Will Rogers would feel right at home at the Dog Iron Ranch where he was born in 1879. The birthplace, located just a few miles northeast of Oologah, is now a living history ranch. Hand-hewed logs frame the room where Will Rogers was born on a sprawling frontier ranch. A recorded message by Will’s youngest son Jim Rogers, is available at the house.

Will Rogers climbed to the top in every field he entered … from Wild West shows to Vaudeville to Hollywood … from newspapers to magazines to radio to movies. The humorist was easily the most popular and best-loved American of his time.

The ranch was given to Oklahoma in 1959. The house was moved up the hill when Oologah Lake was filled. Amish craftsmen built an era-correct barn in 1993 as part of the process of establishing a turn-of-the-century living history ranch on the site.

Now, majestic longhorn cattle again graze the rich pastures, just like they did in Will’s childhood. As would have happened more than a century ago, ranch visitors are as likely to be greeted by a lamb, a goat, a goose or even a peacock as they are by a longhorn. It’s a special treat for city kids never really exposed to farm life before.