Historical Marker

Will Rogers Birthplace

Historical marker location:
Roadside Pullout, Oologah, Oklahoma
( Marker is at the intersection of Elm Street (U.S. 169) and Cooweescoowee Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Elm Street.)

Oklahoma's most famous native, Will Rogers, was born on a ranch east of Oologah, Indian Territory, on November 4, 1879. He and aviator Wiley Post died in an airplane crash in Alaska on August 15, 1935. Rogers was one of the world's most famous men at the time of his death because of his stardom in the movies, as a newspaper columnist, and humorist

Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
The famous Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, passes through the state of Oklahoma. The state has several unique landmarks along the route, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn in Arcadia.
Oklahoma random facts
Rogers County is a county located in northeastern Oklahoma, named after Clem Vann Rogers, a prominent Cherokee leader and father of famous American humorist Will Rogers. The area that is now Rogers County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, who were forcibly relocated to the area during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. The region saw conflicts during the Civil War, including the Battle of Cabin Creek, where Union forces successfully defended their supply wagon train from Confederate raiders.

After the Civil War, settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and the potential for economic growth. Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of wheat and cotton, played a significant role in the early economy of Rogers County. The arrival of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad in the late 1800s further encouraged development and led to the establishment of towns such as Claremore, the county seat.

A key figure in the county's history is the aforementioned Will Rogers, who was born in 1879 in what is now Rogers County. Will Rogers remains a celebrated figure and his legacy is celebrated in various attractions, including the Will Rogers Memorial and the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. In the early 1900s, oil was discovered in the county, leading to an oil boom that brought prosperity and development to the region.

Today, Rogers County is a vibrant and growing community with a diverse economy. While agriculture remains important, other industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail have also emerged. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and various recreational opportunities. Its rich history, combined with its natural beauty and modern amenities, make Rogers County a unique and desirable place to live and visit in Oklahoma.

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

  • Rogers County was established on July 16, 1907, as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
  • The county was named after Clement Vann Rogers, a Cherokee senator and father of Will Rogers.
  • In 1907, Claremore was established as the county seat.
  • In 1909, the first oil well in Rogers County was drilled near Catoosa, leading to the county's oil boom.
  • In the 1920s, the construction of Route 66 brought increased tourism and economic growth to the county.
  • In 1935, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum was opened in Claremore in honor of the famous comedian and entertainer.
  • During World War II, Camp Gruber, a military training facility, was established in Rogers County.
  • In the 1960s and 1970s, Rogers County experienced population growth and urbanization.
  • In 2013, the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore was named the "Best Gun Museum in the World."