Hotel Cherokee

a.k.a. Alfalfa County Museum

117 W. Main, Cherokee, OK
The Hotel Cherokee, located at 117 West Main, in Cherokee, Oklahoma, is a four-story Commercial style hotel located on the west side of Cherokee's historic and present-day commercial district. From the time of its 1901 founding, Cherokee, Oklahoma, was the regional trading center for Alfalfa County. Built in 1929 to replace an original hotel that burned in 1927, the Hotel Cherokee provided a haven for travelers, out-of-town business persons, and area residents who traded in or did business in Cherokee. The hotel represents a period of struggle, growth, and development in Cherokee's commercial history, 1929-1947, a time during which much local business promotion was being conducted in order to overcome the effects of a national economic depression and war. The hotel is the largest brick Commercial Style building in Cherokee and Alfalfa County. Virtually still in its original condition, the Hotel Cherokee retains a high degree of integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. It is amply able to convey information about Cherokee's commercial development from 1929 to 1947 and is the only extant hotel in Cherokee dating from that time period. As such, it is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, for its local commercial significance, and under Criterion c, for its local architectural significance.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Oklahoma was the birthplace of many famous people, including Will Rogers, a humorist and actor; Brad Pitt, a famous Hollywood actor; and Reba McEntire, a country music singer and actress.
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kaw, who thrived in the region for centuries. In the 1800s, European settlers began arriving, drawn by the promise of land and fertile soil.

Alfalfa County was officially established in 1907, just a year after Oklahoma became a state. The county was named after the perennial forage crop, alfalfa, which is widely grown in the area. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with farmers using the fertile soil to grow crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton.

One significant event in Alfalfa County's history was the discovery of oil in the early 1900s. Oil wells were drilled, leading to a boom in the county's economy and population. The oil industry brought prosperity and development to the area, with the town of Carmen becoming a major oil hub.

However, like many other regions, Alfalfa County also faced challenges during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The economy suffered, and many farmers were forced to abandon their land. The Dust Bowl further exacerbated the situation, with severe droughts and dust storms devastating the agricultural sector.

Despite these challenges, Alfalfa County has persevered and continues to thrive. Today, the county remains primarily agricultural, with a focus on crop production and livestock farming. Many historic sites, such as the Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva, preserve the county's rich history for future generations to appreciate.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

  • 1907 - Alfalfa County is established, named after the crop grown in the area.
  • 1899 - The town of Cherokee is established as the county seat.
  • 1904 - The railroad reaches Alfalfa County, sparking growth and development.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression hits Alfalfa County, leading to a decline in population and economic hardships.
  • 1933 - The Dust Bowl affects Alfalfa County, causing severe drought and agricultural devastation.
  • 1940s - Alfalfa County sees a rebound in population and agriculture due to World War II demand.
  • 1950s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry in Alfalfa County.
  • 1960s-1970s - Tornadoes strike the area, causing damage and loss of life.
  • 2008 - An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 hits Alfalfa County, causing minor damage.