Historical Marker

President Franklin D. Roosevelt Stops at Vinita Katy Railroad Depot

Historical marker location:
319 East Illinois Avenue, Vinita, Oklahoma
( Marker is at the intersection of East Illinois Avenue (U.S. 60) and South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east on East Illinois Avenue.)

On June 13th, 1936, President Roosevelt stopped his re-election special train in Vinita to honor citizens’ request to help fund construction of the Grand River Dam. A large, rowdy crowd estimated at 5,000 greeted him.President Roosevelt thanked the crowd for arranging the event and said he would see what he could do about it when he returned to Washington, D.C.In September 1937, he signed legislation for $20 million to fund the project. Construction began in February 1938. The dam was finished in 1940 and the lake filled by the end of summer.Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees has 1,300 miles of scenic shoreline and approximately 50,000 surface acres of water. The dam is located on State Highway 28 near Langley, Oklahoma, some 14 miles southeast of this site

Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is home to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the American West. The museum features exhibits on cowboy life, Native American culture, and the art of the American West.
Oklahoma random facts
Craig County, located in northeastern Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history dating back hundreds of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Delaware, and Cherokee. The region became part of Indian Territory after the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced many tribes to relocate to the area.

In 1828, the Osage ceded their lands to the federal government, opening the area to settlement. The area eventually attracted pioneers and settlers, who began establishing farms and communities. In 1907, Oklahoma became a state, and Craig County was officially established. It was named after Granville Craig, a prominent Cherokee politician.

The early years of Craig County saw significant growth and development. The discovery of lead and zinc deposits in the region in the early 1900s spurred economic prosperity and attracted mining companies. Several mining towns emerged, including Vinita, the county seat, and Welch, which became a major zinc mining center.

However, the decline of the mining industry in the mid-20th century led to an economic downturn in the area. Many mining operations closed, causing job losses and a decline in population. In recent decades, Craig County has focused on diversifying its economy, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the scenic Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, have attracted visitors seeking outdoor recreational activities.

Today, Craig County continues to evolve as a vibrant community, preserving its natural beauty and embracing its rich cultural heritage. The county boasts a strong sense of community and has made efforts to revitalize its downtown areas. With a blend of historical significance and modern amenities, Craig County offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the future.

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

  • 1854 - The area that is now Craig County is included in the Cherokee Nation's domain.
  • 1861 - The Cherokee Nation aligns with the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1867 - The Cherokee Nation is dissolved, and the area becomes part of the Indian Territory.
  • 1891 - The area is opened to non-Indian settlement and becomes part of the newly created Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1907 - Oklahoma is admitted as the 46th state of the United States, including Craig County.
  • 1911 - Vinita is selected as the county seat of Craig County.
  • 1925 - The towns of Centralia, Bluejacket, and Ketcum are incorporated.
  • 1933 - Oklahoma experiences significant flooding, including parts of Craig County.
  • 1967 - The National Space Surveillance Center is established near Vinita.
  • 2002 - The Oklahoma Department of Corrections opens the Dick Conner Correctional Center north of Hominy.