Catoosa, Oklahoma and the Blue Whale

OKLAHOMA LEGENDS

Catoosa and the Blue Whale

As you leave Claremore heading to Catoosa and Tulsa along the Route 66, you will soon pass over two huge steel truss bridges that cross the Verdigris River. Both bridges served original Route 66 travelers but were built more than 20 years apart. The first bridge (now the westbound bridge) was built in 1936, but as travel increased, an additional overpass was constructed in 1957, which now serves eastbound traffic. This pair of mismatched bridges, familiarly called “Felix” and “Oscar” by the locals, begs a stop for a photograph.

Just beyond the bridges you will come to the site of Catoosa’s famous Blue Whale; an absolute must stop for Route 66 travelers.

Bridges over the Verdigris River, Dave Alexander,

June, 2004

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

One of the most recognizable icons on Route 66, the attraction was built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. Hugh and Zelta had over 40 years of zoological experience when Hugh built the 80 foot long grinning Blue Whale. Hugh, who had retired by that time, owned the land on which the attraction was built and surprised Zelta with the massive project for which she had no idea. Originally, the pond surrounding the massive Blue Whale was spring fed and intended only for family use. However, as many locals began to sneak in to enjoy its cool waters, Davis brought in tons of sand, built picnic tables, hired life guards, and opened his masterpiece to the public.

Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, Kathy Weiser, September, 2007.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Originally called Nature’s Acres, Hugh continued to build the attraction until it eventually included The Fun and Swim Blue Whale and the A.R.K. (Animal Reptile Kingdom). The attraction also featured Hugh’s brother-in-law, Indian Chief Wolf Robe Hunt, a full blooded Acoma Indian, who was famous, in his own right, for his Indian paintings and as a highly skilled silversmith. Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt once ran the Arrowood Trading post across the highway from the Blue Whale attraction.

In no time at all, its pond, giant Blue Whale, and zoo, housed in a wooden ark, attracted both locals and travelers alike. Children flocked to slide down the tail of the large Blue Whale into the cool waters of the pond, as families enjoyed the picnic tables, concessions, and boats provided at Nature’s Acres.

Zelta Davis, original owner of the attraction.

In 1988, the aging couple found that they could no longer handle the management of the attraction and it was closed. Just two years later, Mr. Davis died. The park soon fell into disrepair, crumbling from neglect and weather. However, a decade later, the Route 66 landmark benefited from fund-raising and volunteer efforts. The Blue Whale was given a fresh coat of paint and the picnic area restored. However, the old ark which once served as a zoo has not been restored and is slowly being overgrown by Mother Nature.

Another interesting thing about Catoosa is that it is a seaport town! An inland seaport? Yes! In fact it is the furthest inland seaport in the United States, linked to the Arkansas River system all the way to Gulf of Mexico.

Located at the head of navigation for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the Port of offers year round, ice-free barge service with river flow levels controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located in a 2,000 acre industrial park and employing more than 2,500 people, the port ships manufactured goods and agricultural products from America’s heartland to the rest of the globe.

Port of Catoosa, David Alexander, June, 2004.

The Ark, or Animal Reptile Kingdom, at the Blue Whale

property once featured numerous reptiles, including

alligators. Today, it is slowly being overgrown.

Kathy Weiser, September, 2007.

This image available for photographic prints and

downloads HERE!

To Tulsa

Return to Route 66

To Claremore

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