Gene Autry, OK

Sitting just north of Ardmore, to the east of I-35, is a quiet town that boasts unique attractions and a colorful history. Gene Autry is a small community bustling with a lot of charm.

History

Gene Autry, Oklahoma, has one of the most recognizable names in the state, but many people don’t know the history that has brought it to the small-town, historical oasis that it is. The town began inauspiciously, with just a store in the middle of the Chickasaw Nation in the 1870s. In 1883, we have record of the first post office being established, designating the town as Lou, after the founder’s wife.  However, 6 months later at the insistence of Lou, the town was renamed Dresden. When the Santa Fe railroad went close to but not quite through the town, residents relocated slightly and called the new location Berwyn.

Berwyn grew as a farming community through the early 20th century, peaking during World War I with a population of over 400.

A course-altering event happened in 1940, when famous singing cowboy Gene Autry bought his 1200-acre Flying A Ranch adjacent to Berwyn.  At this time in American history, Gene Autry embodied what America wanted to be. He appeared in dozens of movies, as well as his famous TV show.  His songs, including “Back in the Saddle Again” and “Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer,” are still part of our pop culture fabric.

Another proud son of Gene Autry is George Telford. You may not recognize his name, but his legacy is felt throughout much of the country, especially the region of south-central Oklahoma. Telford is considered by many to be the grandfather of Professional Bull Riding. He saw a need in rodeos to fairly treat and compensate those brave souls who rode on bucking bulls, and paved the way to what became the PBR (Professional Bull Riders).