Historical Markers in Blaine County, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 was the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. The bombing, which was carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, killed 168 people and injured hundreds more.
About Blaine County
Blaine County Timeline
Blaine County is located in the state of Oklahoma, USA, and has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes. The region was originally inhabited by various groups of Native Americans, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who roamed the area for centuries before the arrival of European settlers.
In the 19th century, the land that would become Blaine County was part of the vast territory designated as Indian Territory. During this time, the United States government forcibly relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to the western territories, including present-day Oklahoma. The establishment of Indian Territory opened up opportunities for non-Native settlers to homestead in the area.
Blaine County was officially established on November 16, 1892, when it was carved out of several neighboring counties. It was named in honor of James G. Blaine, a prominent politician and statesman of the time. The county seat was initially located in Watonga, which had been settled in the late 1880s.
The early economy of Blaine County revolved around agriculture, with farming and ranching playing a vital role. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant changes to the county's economy. Oil wells were established, attracting new industry and boosting the local economy. Today, Blaine County continues to be an important agricultural region, as well as benefiting from industries such as oil and gas production.
In the 19th century, the land that would become Blaine County was part of the vast territory designated as Indian Territory. During this time, the United States government forcibly relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the East to the western territories, including present-day Oklahoma. The establishment of Indian Territory opened up opportunities for non-Native settlers to homestead in the area.
Blaine County was officially established on November 16, 1892, when it was carved out of several neighboring counties. It was named in honor of James G. Blaine, a prominent politician and statesman of the time. The county seat was initially located in Watonga, which had been settled in the late 1880s.
The early economy of Blaine County revolved around agriculture, with farming and ranching playing a vital role. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought significant changes to the county's economy. Oil wells were established, attracting new industry and boosting the local economy. Today, Blaine County continues to be an important agricultural region, as well as benefiting from industries such as oil and gas production.
Blaine County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Blaine County, Oklahoma.
- 1884 - Blaine County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory
- 1906 - The town of Watonga becomes the county seat
- 1912 - Longdale, Canton, and Okeene are incorporated as towns
- 1947 - The Roman Nose State Park is established
- 1993 - The Blaine County Museum is opened in Watonga