History and Historical Sites

From Indian heritage and Viking explorers to land runs and oil booms, Oklahoma has a history unlike any other state. Historical sites throughout the State honor Oklahoma's original residents, settlers and a wide variety of history making people and events.

Connect with the past at a living history event, while you watch re-enactments on Civil War battlefields, learn traditional crafts or meet re-enactors playing fur traders who lived in Oklahoma long before settlers moved in. Attend a powwow to experience the pageantry and fellowship among our Native peoples as they gather to celebrate traditions and hold dance competitions.

Visit the Washita Battlefield National Monument to learn the history surrounding Custer's surprise attack on the peaceful Southern Cheyenne village of Chief Black Kettle and then walk along the shores of the Washita River where the massacre took place. Trek to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center to discover the rich history of the famous cattle trail that spanned Oklahoma, or see the last standing original sod house on the prairies of Oklahoma and learn more about pioneer life at the Sod House Museum.

From oil barons to cowboys, the rich heritage of Oklahoma offers one fascinating journey after another for history buffs.

Historical Maps

Listings

FESTIVALS
& EVENTS

NATURE &
OUTDOORS

INDUSTRY
CONTACTS

Related Articles

Movie Magic: Exploring Oklahoma's Historic Theaters

Step back in time and enjoy a show at one of Oklahoma’s many historic theaters. See a film, concert or performing arts event, and take in the stunning architecture that makes these time-honored movie houses true Oklahoma landmarks.

Learn More

Top Native American Attractions in Oklahoma

Experience sacred American Indian traditions and view authentic cultural displays at top Native American museums, cultural centers and attractions in Oklahoma.

Learn More

African American History & Culture in Oklahoma

Delve into Oklahoma's Black history from pre-statehood to the Civil Rights movement while exploring the landmarks, historic towns and museums that provide endless opportunities for discovery.

Learn More

History is Alive in Oklahoma: Top Living History Events

Take a step back in time with a visit to one of Oklahoma's top living history events and see the state's unique story unfold right before your eyes.

Learn More

The Marland Mansion: Ponca City's Palace on the Prairie

If the Marland Mansion’s lavishly decorated walls could talk, they would tell visitors of an unconventional family that stirred up drama in the small town of Ponca City.

Learn More

Oklahoma's Legendary Outlaws

Oklahoma's outlaw tales will transport you to the dusty days of yesteryear when six-shooter pistols and vigilantes terrorized Indian Territory.

Learn More

The Daniel log cabin demonstrates typical 1800s Cherokee lifestyle.

Visit the historic home of famous Cherokee alphabet creator, Sequoyah.

Oil business museum in Ponca City

100-year-old home w/ home decor pieces & repurposed finds

1830s-style trading post museum in Lawton

Agricultural tour w/ food samples & history lessons

Historic theatre w/ rare collection of vintage lobby artwork

Assorted gift shop in historical building

History museum telling the story of Oklahoma's journey to statehood.

The Round Barn is a Route 66 landmark with plenty of history.

The USS Batfish is the only wartime submarine on display in Oklahoma.

Walk through history at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum.

The Canadian County Historical Museum is fun for everyone.

Bartlesville is home to historic, fascinating architecture.

Sallisaw's 14 Flags Museum reveals Oklahoma pioneer life.

Tour the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid.

Were Vikings in Oklahoma around 750 AD? See what you think.

Experience old-time holiday cheer in Guthrie.

Fort Gibson was the westernmost post of the U.S. Army at one time.

Standing Bear Park is a reverent tribute to Ponca Chief Standing Bear.

Pawnee Bill's successful Wild West Show traveled the world.

This frontier fort was built in 1842 to protect relocated tribes.

A Civil War battlefield in Checotah tells of an exciting exchange.

The OKC National Memorial Museum chronicles the OKC bombing.

Visit the Belvidere Mansion for lunch and a bit of history.

The people of Spiro Mounds once ruled most of present day America.

Norman museum walks visitors through millions of years of Oklahoma.

Sapulpa Historical Museum highlights the heritage of a railroad town.

The Mohawk Lodge houses vast collections of Native American artifacts.

Tour Oklahoma's highest point and the area's natural history treasures

Waynoka has deep roots in railroad history and many unique diversions.

Explore the home of Frank Eaton, better known as Pistol Pete.

Experience the past first-hand at Shooting Star History in Hitchcock.

Famous Apache warrior Geronimo is buried at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma History Center preserves Oklahoma's interesting history.

Part 1 of 5 in a series on the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, OK.

The town of Sallisaw offers plenty to do indoors and out.

Boggy Depot Park is steeped in natural beauty and rich history.

Site where Custer's troops attacked Black Kettle's peaceful village.

Built in 1844, this is the oldest government building in Oklahoma.

The last original sod house in Oklahoma is surrounded by this museum.

The Oklahoma Heritage Center celebrates the stories of Oklahoma.

Tour the historic home of oil baron Frank Phillips in Bartlesville.

Escape with a rustic vacation experience at chuckwagon boot camp.

The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa houses Western art and artifacts.

Experience the history of the Great Plains area.

The 45th Infantry Museum in OKC honors the highly decorated unit.

The Cayuga Splitlog Church has stood proudly for over 100 years.

The Marland Mansion has fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

The Seminole Nation Museum preserves the tribe's history and culture.

Washington Irving was Oklahoma's first tourist in 1832.

The 'California Road' carried wagons and gold seekers across Oklahoma.