1-833-933-4TFD
Mayes County is a quaint county in eastern Oklahoma, situated between the Ozark Mountains and the rolling hills of the Cherokee Nation. With a population of over 40,000 and a rich history, it has a lot of interesting facts to offer. Here are 7 interesting facts about Mayes County in Oklahoma history:
1. Mayes County was founded in 1907 as a result of land allotments to Native Americans. The county was named after Samuel Houston Mayes, a Cherokee Nation principal chief from 1895 to 1899.
2. The town of Salina in Mayes County was originally settled by the Cherokee Nation before the Trail of Tears. It was also a popular spot for ranchers and cowboys, and hosted the largest cattle drive in Oklahoma history in 1892.
3. Spavinaw, a town in Mayes County, was once a thriving community built around a water source that supplied Tulsa with clean water. The construction of a dam in 1924 turned the town into a ghost town, leaving only ruins.
4. Locust Grove, another town in Mayes County, was home to the first Girls' basketball team in Oklahoma in 1907. The team initially played in bloomers and long-sleeved blouses, but eventually switched to uniforms that were more comfortable.
5. Mayes County was home to the famous Outlaw Jesse James, who robbed two banks in Claremore and Adair in the late 1800s. A historical marker at the site of the Adair robbery has been erected to commemorate the event.
6. The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum, located in Claremore, is home to one of the largest collections of guns in the world. It was founded by a local businessman, J.M. Davis, who had a fascination with firearms.
7. During World War II, a portion of the McCellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System was built in Mayes County. This system of locks and dams made it possible for barges to transport goods from Tulsa to the Mississippi River.
Mayes County has a rich history and many interesting facts that make it a unique and fascinating place. From its Native American roots to the Wild West and World War II, Mayes County has played a significant role in shaping Oklahoma's history.
← Older Post Newer Post →