Sapulpa to Depew, Oklahoma - Small Town America on Route 66

OKLAHOMA LEGENDS

Sapulpa to Depew - Small Town

America on Route 66

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Vintage Sapulpa, Oklahoma postcard

Some 15 miles beyond Tulsa, you will arrive at Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a city proud of its Route 66 and Native American heritage. Five countries have flown their flag over this area over the centuries - Spain, France, England, Mexico, and the United States of America. During the Civil War,

the Choctaw Indian Nation flew its flag over the territory also. Sapulpa's history is rich in Indian and early American folklore.

Sapulpa got its start in 1850 when Jim Sapulpa, a Creek Indian, came to the area from Alabama. Establishing a farm on Rock Creek, about one mile southeast of the present city, he soon operated a store in his home, hauling supplies from Fort Smith, Arkansas.

By the treaty of 1865, the Creek Indians gave the right-of-way to the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad and the railway extended its line to the present site of Sapulpa in 1886. Though the terminus was not given an official name in the beginning, the railroad men called it Sapulpa after the area's first settler.

Before long the city became an important cattle-shipping center and a Fred Harvey Hotel operated at the railroad station. In 1889 a post office was opened and the town was incorporated in 1898.

Train Depot and Harvey House vintage postcard.

Although oil had been found at Chelsea in 1889, Muskogee and Bartlesville in 1897, and Red Fork in 1901, the territory was not recognized as a great oil reserve until the opening of the Glenpool field, four miles southeast of Sapulpa, in November, 1905. This oil boom fostered Sapulpa's greatest period of growth.

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The oil boom, the Frisco railroad, and the addition of several brick and glass plants combined to transform Sapulpa from a sleepy little village into a bustling community of 20,000 by the mid-1920s. Most of the buildings in downtown Sapulpa were erected during this boom period.

Today, Sapulpa prides itself on its character shaped of three historic factors – Indians, railroads and oil. The town has received ten statewide awards for its efforts in preservation and architectural rehabilitation. As you pass through this beautifully preserved community, you will also find a number of artistic advertising displays on its many vintage buildings.

Special events such as the Creek County Farmer's Market, the Route 66 Blowout, and the Main Street Music Festival capitalize on the area's "hometown charm."

Sapulpa is perhaps best known as being the home of globally recognized Frankoma Pottery. Here, free factory tours are available to visitors to watch the skilled artisans make pottery in the same manner as they have been for over sixty years.

Norma’s Diamond Café, Kathy Weiser, May, 2004.

While visiting this Main Street City, try the 99¢ breakfast at Norma’s Diamond Café or an all‑you‑can‑eat barbecue buffet at Hickory House BBQ. Three miles west of Sapulpa, be sure to check out the original 1921 Rock Creek Bridge with its red brick pavement. Having seen better days, this twelve foot wide rusting hulk can still be driven across. Just beyond the bridge is the long abandoned TeePee Drive-In Theater.

Sapulpa is also home to two lakes – Pretty Water that provides excellent trout fishing, and Lake Sahoma, where camping, fishing, and boating are available.

Continue your journey of the Mother Road beyond Sapulpa to Kellyville, Oklahoma.

Continued Next Page

Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa, Oklahoma,

Kathy Weiser, May, 2004.

Abandoned TeePee Drive-In Theater in Sapulpa,

Oklahoma, Kathy Weiser, May, 2004.

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Route 66 Calendar - Keep your memories of "getting your kicks" on Route 66 alive with this full color 2009 calendar featuring 13 iconic pictures of Route 66 landmarks and historic businesses. Calendar includes a brief history of the vintage Mother Road from it's conception in 1926 to it's final decommissioning in 1985, as well as more than 200 trivia questions and numerous little known facts about Route 66. These artistic "pen & ink" style images are perfect for framing with a 9.5 x 13 page size. $18.00 + $5.00 shipping/handling (first class plus delivery confirmation) for U.S. and Canadian orders. All other orders $10 shipping and handling. $1.00 additional charge per calendar.