Stories of the Past

Journey through Chickasaw Country and uncover details of its historic past. Each stop offers a glimpse into the stories that have shaped the region, from military heroes to landmarks. 

Let's dive into what makes Chickasaw Country unique.

CDR. Clarence "Smokey" Tolbert USN in Tishomingo, OK

Our historical journey begins with Commander Clarence “Smokey” Tolbert of the United States Navy, a true hero and Johnston County’s favorite son. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1962, Tolbert became the first Naval Academy graduate to join the famed Blue Angels. His service continued across many roles, including three tours of duty and more than 15 combat missions. In 1972, during his third tour, while flying over North Vietnam, his aircraft was tragically shot down. He was declared missing in action until 1978. Commander Tolbert's bravery earned him numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal and 14 Air Medals. A historical marker in his honor stands in front of an F-11A Tiger aircraft he piloted that was donated at his request. This marker, located just southwest of the Chickasaw Capitol Building, is surrounded by several other historical markers that honor our nation's brave soldiers, making it a very powerful site to visit.

Murray-Lindsay Mansion in Lindsay, OK

The Murray-Lindsay Mansion in Lindsay, Oklahoma, is a captivating historical site that offers a glimpse into the past. Built between 1879 and 1881, this 15-room mansion was once the grandest home in western Chickasaw Country. It was the residence of Irish immigrant Frank Murray, his First American wife Alzira McCaughey and their family. With large white columns, green-trimmed windows and early 1900s-era furnishings, the mansion remains frozen in time. Rumored to have hosted notable guests like Geronimo, the home is now on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to host events. The mansion's history is deeply tied to the development of Lindsay and Erin Springs, with the family donating 400 acres to lay railroad tracks and establish the town. Visitors can also explore the onsite two-room schoolhouse, Pikes Peak School, which has been converted into a museum, adding to the rich historical experience.

On The Chisholm Trail Marker in Marlow, OK

Redbud Park in Marlow, Oklahoma, is teeming with history. One key landmark is the On the Chisholm Trail Marker. This marker commemorates the Chisholm Trail cattle drive, the largest movement of animals in history. Beginning in 1868 and lasting just over a decade, an estimated eight million longhorn cattle were driven from Texas through Oklahoma and into Kansas. The trail's midpoint passed through what is now Redbud Park in Marlow. The Chisholm Trail brought countless cowboys, including the infamous Marlow family, through the area.

Marlow Brothers Hideout in Marlow, OK

The Marlow family, whose story inspired literature, ballads and the film The Sons of Katie Elder, played a significant role in the history of Marlow, Oklahoma. During the peak of cattle drives, the Marlow brothers settled in the area, where they were either rounding up stray longhorns or, as some claim, deliberately rustling cattle. Ultimately, a U.S. Marshal falsely accused them of horse theft, and the brothers were hunted down. They allegedly used a cave on Wild Horse Creek to hide out. In June 2004, the supposed entrance to their hideout was discovered. Today, a historical marker detailing the Marlow family's story stands in the southeast corner of Redbud Park in Marlow, honoring their place in local lore.

Redbud Chapel in Marlow, OK

While exploring the history in Redbud Park, don’t miss the Redbud Chapel, Marlow’s oldest church. Originally built in 1904 as the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, it was the first Catholic church in the area. Despite foundation problems and uneven floors, the church continued to serve its growing congregation for many years. As the need for a larger church arose, the community rallied together, raising over $20,000 to save the little chapel and donate it to the city. Renamed Redbud Chapel, it has existed at its current location since 1997 and now serves as a nondenominational community chapel, continuing to host weddings and preserving a vital piece of Marlow's history.

The Birthplace of Oklahoma in Purcell, OK

In front of the McClain County Courthouse in Purcell, Oklahoma, a historical marker proudly recognizes the city as the "Birthplace of Oklahoma." This distinction stems from the Inter-Territory Statehood Convention, held on September 30, 1893, at the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was the first convention to advocate for the unification of Oklahoma and Indian Territories into a single state. Delegates from both territories came together to draft resolutions and petition Congress for admission to the Union as one state. Thirteen years later, these efforts culminated in Oklahoma achieving statehood.

Just two blocks away, another marker commemorates this milestone. The 46th State Star is located at the north entrance of Purcell’s Santa Fe Plaza, right beside Butler's Antiques. It is said that when Oklahoma entered statehood on November 16, 1907, Purcell’s children celebrated by forming a human “star” in the downtown area.

Hotel Love in Purcell, OK

Butler’s Antiques doesn’t just have history on the outside; it is a piece of history itself. Once known as the Hotel Love, this sixty-three-room, three-story brick hotel was constructed in 1895 and was one of the finest hotels in Chickasaw Country. With modern conveniences like steam heat, electric lights and rooms for just $2 a night, it quickly became a popular honeymoon destination. Of the hotels built in the area in the late 1800s, Hotel Love is the only one still standing and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Purchased by the Butler family in 1982, the rooms now house antiques and collectibles for sale. 

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