Geary, Oklahoma – Bypassed by Route 66 – Legends of America
Nestled in the heart of Blaine County, Oklahoma, lies the quaint town of Geary, a community steeped in history and resilient spirit. Situated approximately 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 270 and 281, Geary offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the American West. According to the 2020 census, the town is home to 994 residents.
A Tapestry of Native American Heritage
The land upon which Geary now stands was once the domain of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, two proud and resourceful tribes who called this area home. Their connection to the land ran deep, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of nature. However, the landscape of this region underwent a profound transformation with the passage of the Organic Act of 1890. This pivotal legislation carved out Oklahoma Territory from lands previously ceded to various Indian Nations.
The government divided reservation lands and allocated 160-acre parcels to individual tribal members. The government then purchased the surplus land, opening it to settlement during the "Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening" in April 1892.
From Townsite to Thriving Community
In the wake of this historic event, a townsite company seized the opportunity to establish a new settlement. They acquired two quarter sections of land from Shubell Huff and his son William, who had staked their claims following the land opening. The initial location of the townsite was situated one and one-half miles northwest of its present-day location. However, the winds of change blew eastward when settlers learned that the Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad was charting a course west of El Reno. Recognizing the importance of proximity to the railroad, the townsite was relocated southeastward, closer to the iron horse.
The town of Geary owes its name to Edmund Guerrier, a man of mixed French and Cheyenne heritage who served as a scout and interpreter for the U.S. Army. Guerrier, a respected figure in the region, held an allotment of land three miles northeast of the townsite. However, due to the challenges of pronouncing his name, the town’s name was simplified to Geary. On October 12, 1892, a post office was established, solidifying Geary’s place on the map.
A Flourishing Trade Center
The town blossomed with remarkable speed. Businesses and churches sprang up, transforming Geary into a bustling trade center for the surrounding agricultural area. By 1902, the community had experienced exponential growth, boasting a population of 2,561 residents.
The First National Bank, fondly known as "the oldest bank in Blaine County," was the first business to grace the newly established town. In 1903, G. F. Gillespie erected the Bank of Commerce, which later became the American State Bank. Although the bank succumbed to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the Gillespie Building still stands as a testament to Geary’s rich history. Today, this architectural gem, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the Canadian Rivers Historical Museum.
The Bypassing of a Legacy
Despite its early success, Geary’s population experienced a decline, dropping to 1,452 by 1910. Nonetheless, the town remained a vibrant commercial hub, supporting a diverse array of businesses, including dry goods stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, three lumberyards, three banks, two bakeries, a rooming house, a flour mill, a broom factory, bottling works, cotton gins, grain elevators, and 11 saloons. A telephone system and electric power were soon established, and early newspapers included the Geary Bulletin and the Geary Journal.
By 1912, Geary was served by the Postal Highway, which later became part of Route 66 when it came through in 1926. The Mother Road breathed new life into the city, which had a population of 1,892 in 1930.
However, this transportation boom was short-lived, as, in 1933, a new Pony Bridge was built across the Canadian River downriver from Bridgeport. Route 66 was realigned directly from El Reno to Hydro, bypassing Calumet, Geary, and Bridgeport the following year. By 1940, the population had fallen to 1,634 people. However, Geary fared better than Calumet or Bridgeport.
Exploring Geary’s Treasures
For those who venture to Geary, a visit to the Canadian Rivers Historical Museum is a must. Located at 100 E Main Street in the historic Gillespie Building, this museum offers a captivating journey through time. Housed within its walls are exhibits that showcase the region’s rich heritage, including an old Rock Island caboose across the street, the area’s first log jail used until 1909, and several themed rooms like a bank, post office, doctor and dentist office, barbershop, country school, and a turn-of-the-century kitchen. Displays include war items, Native American artifacts, old appliances and tools, and other historic artifacts. Admission is Free, but donations are accepted.
A short drive from Geary lies the final resting place of Jesse Chisholm, a legendary figure in the history of the American West. Chisholm, a trader, guide, interpreter, and explorer, blazed the Chisholm Trail and built several trading posts from Kansas City to the Red River. He died and was buried next to Left Hand Spring on March 4, 1868. A granite marker stands at the site, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Following the Path of the Mother Road
From Geary, the old alignment of Route 66 makes its way southwest for 13.5 miles to the near ghost town of Bridgeport. You will soon come upon a long, steep hill called Bridgeport Hill. Legend has it that in the early days of the Mother Road, many of the old Model A’s and Model T’s had to climb the hill in reverse to generate enough power to climb the hill.
Before reaching Bridgeport, travelers will cross the historic Canadian River Bridge, the longest bridge on Route 66. Built in 1933, it spans the South Canadian River on the upgraded alignment of Route 66 (now US 281). The 3/4 mile long bridge consists of 38 pony truss sections, each 100 feet long. It opened in 1934. The west end of the Canadian River Bridge appeared in the 1939 classic film Grapes of Wrath, in the scene where “Grandpa” died and was buried. This bridge was along the newer section of Route 66 that bypassed these three small towns, replacing the old suspension bridge between Geary and Bridgeport.
Geary, Oklahoma, may have been bypassed by Route 66, but its history, heritage, and resilience continue to captivate those who seek a glimpse into the heart of the American West.
