The Territorial Capital Of The Sooner State
Oklahoma is known for its rich South Central United States history, including Native American, oil production, and the Great Depression. Originally called the Twin Territories before its statehood in 1907, Guthrie was the state's first capital, referred to as the "Territorial Capital" before Oklahoma City.
The historic highway Route 66 runs through Oklahoma, and Tulsa is considered the famed road's capital. The highway was pivotal in the mid-20th century for supporting roadside businesses, motels, and diners. It is also a significant part of American culture, and many travelers set off for the 2,000-mile highway through seven states as a rite of passage.
Sooners and Boomers
An essential part of Oklahoma's history lies in the terms Sooners and Boomers. The terms are used in the community's colloquial language, and the flagship school, the University of Oklahoma's nickname, is the Sooners. The historical terms refer to the land grab of the late 20th century. Boomers campaigned for the land to be opened for settlement. Sooners entered the territory illegally and claimed land before its official opening.
In 1859, over 50,000 settlers poured into the territory, trying to stake a claim in almost two million acres the US government opened after relocating Native Americans. Soon, there were more settlers than available land because the Sooners got to the unclaimed lands before anyone else. This is an essential aspect of Oklahoma's history and is remembered today in events, mascots, and standard phrases.
Guthrie's Heritage and Origin
Guthrie, Oklahoma, is famous for being the state's first capital, a critical agricultural hub, and its splendid Victorian storefronts. Like many Oklahoma towns, Guthrie sprang up overnight during the land grab of 1889. The settled town established a railroad and a pot office and became the state's first capital in 1907 after delegates drafted the constitution a year prior, but the honor would be short-lived.
Oklahoma City rivaled Guthrie for the state capital, and the rivalry culminated in 1910 when a majority vote elected Oklahoma City as the new capital. Though Guthrie lost its political standing, it thrived as a trading hub. Several railroads were built, and the commercial district ballooned to 39 factories.
Many commercial buildings were designed during Guthrie's initial economic boom, underscoring its significance as a trading post and an important agricultural location. Several railways were built to expedite the logistics, and today, these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings are near Route 66 and make an excellent detour while cruising on "America's Main Street." Guthrie's Historical District is easily explored on foot, which provides an ideal vantage point for taking in the rich history of this American town.
Route 66
Route 66, officially US Highway 66, has a fascinating history dating back to its construction in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads built the first federal highway system. It spans 2,400 miles through seven states and two-thirds of the US. The famed highway starts at Lake Michigan and finishes in Los Angeles. It has a notable legacy in Oklahoma, with Tulsa serving as its "capital."
Travelers can take the Mother Road through Oklahoma without getting on the interstate. The 400-mile stretch is the longest for historic Route 66. The interstate has designated signs indicating that the iconic highway can be located at multiple waypoints, such as Guthrie. Embarking on a road rip on Route 66 is a rite of passage for travelers, and Guthrie is an ideal waypoint to stop and stretch your legs. Your itinerary should include a walk through the historic district with its iconic architectural styles. Guthrie has over 2,000 buildings in the historic district that tie in with the Mother Road like no other city along the routes.
Historic Sites and Other Points of Interest
Guthrie is as iconic as Route 66 and a shining example of small-town America. Most commercial buildings were designed between 1889 and the 1920s and have stood the test of time with their classic styles. The National Register of Historic Places protects one thousand four hundred acres.
A landmark example is the State Capital Publishing Company Building. The brick corner building was built in 1902 with subtle wall surfaces and window and door pavement yet with a complex three-dimensional dome and Russian dome that draws significant attention to the iconic building.
The Gray Brothers Building staked the corner lot on Oklahoma Avenue and Division Street 1889. A year later, it moved its grocery business to Guthrie. The iconic corner dome is a cornerstone of the district and one of the first commercial properties developed in the town. The stunning Victor Block should not be missed while downtown, as it was once the most prominent business in the region.
The Victor Block was one of the first commercial buildings in Guthrie and is considered the finest in town. It was designed by notable architect Joseph Foucart in 1893 and is within walking distance of several other historical markers, such as the Foucart Building, Same Old Moses Saloon, and the International Building. Elegant homes on the tour include the Schlabach Home and the Spanish-style Guthrie Home, which was renovated in 2018.
The tour does not end with the elegant Victorian homes. You will also explore the Guthrie Carnegie Library and other carefully preserved buildings throughout town. The amount of historical architecture in Guthrie is awe-inspiring, and the warm and inviting community is more than happy to share its unique history with visitors who are "getting their kicks on Route 66."
Distinctive Homes
Unsurprisingly, there are several historic homes, and guided walking tours are available year-round. However, if you are in town during Christmas, sign up for the Distinctive Home Tours for the best look at significant homes and commercial properties, each decorated for the season.
Guthrie, Oklahoma, is a fascinating town to explore, and its proximity to Route 66 gives it even more cultural significance as an American landmark. The traditional town sprang up overnight during the land grab of the 19th century and today boasts an astounding 2,000 historical buildings. Oklahoma and the iconic Route 66 are intimately connected historically and culturally, and there may be no better town to explore this connection than Guthrie.
The Mother Road has its longest stretch through Oklahoma at 400 miles, and Tulsa is the highway's designated capital. There are numerous roadside attractions, many antiquated hotels, and gas stations that instantly whisk travelers away to a simpler time when the federal highways were rare and beckoned the adventurous. Those early dreams can and should be explored today. The stops along Route 66 make it one of the most unique roads in America, and a pitstop in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is a prime example of its storied uniqueness.
