Bristow, Oklahoma – Queen of the Woodlands
Nestled approximately 20 miles west of Kellyville, Oklahoma, along the historic Route 66, lies the charming town of Bristow, Oklahoma. Its origins trace back to 1897, when it first emerged as a humble trading post, a vital hub for commerce and connection in the burgeoning territory. However, the narrative of this locale extends far beyond its formal establishment, reaching back to a time when the land was intimately intertwined with the history and heritage of the Creek Nation.
Before 1896, the area encompassing present-day Bristow, Oklahoma was an integral part of the Creek Indian Nation. This indigenous community held dominion over the land, their lives deeply rooted in its rhythms and resources. The year 1896 marked a significant turning point, as the U.S. government implemented a policy of land allotment, assigning individual parcels to members of the Creek Nation. This policy, while intended to assimilate Native Americans, ultimately resulted in the forced relinquishment of vast tracts of land, opening the door for homesteaders to settle in the region and forever altering the landscape of the area.
The year 1897 heralded the arrival of progress in the form of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad. As the iron horse extended its tracks from Sapulpa towards Oklahoma City, a new chapter began for the area. It was during this period that the aforementioned trading post was established, acting as a commercial nexus for the sparse population scattered across the woodlands. The area’s natural beauty and strategic location quickly earned it the moniker "Woodland Queen of Creek Nation," a testament to its allure and potential. However, a formal settlement did not coalesce until the impending arrival of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad made the location a natural gathering place.
The official birth of Bristow, Oklahoma is marked by the establishment of a post office on April 25, 1898. The nascent settlement was named in honor of Joseph L. Bristow, a Kansas Senator who served as the fourth Assistant Postmaster General at the time. The arrival of the first mail on May 30, 1898, symbolized a tangible connection to the wider world. The railroad’s arrival in July of the same year spurred further growth, attracting settlers and laying the foundation for a burgeoning community. Early settlers, driven by a spirit of collective ambition, promptly organized and constructed a modest frame schoolhouse, underscoring their commitment to education and the future of their settlement. Following closely on the heels of the school’s establishment, A.H. Purdy established the Territorial Bank across from the trading post, further solidifying the town’s economic infrastructure.
Initially, the landscape surrounding Bristow, Oklahoma was primarily characterized by a mix of Creek Indian landowners and white tenant farmers. This agrarian society quickly cultivated a reputation as a prolific cotton-producing region, earning the area the nickname "little cotton kingdom." While cotton reigned supreme, the fertile lands also yielded abundant harvests of corn, peanuts, potatoes, and various fruits, contributing to a diversified agricultural economy. The 1900 census provided a numerical snapshot of the town’s progress, recording a population of 626 residents, a testament to its steady growth and increasing appeal.
The year 1901 marked a pivotal moment in Bristow’s development as the town was officially surveyed and platted, delineating 108 blocks, each containing between 12 and 24 lots. This systematic organization laid the groundwork for future expansion and urban planning. Reflecting its burgeoning agricultural prowess, the city soon boasted seven cotton gins and two cottonseed oil mills, vital infrastructure for processing and distributing the region’s primary crop.
Over the subsequent decade, Bristow, Oklahoma continued its trajectory of growth and development, witnessing the construction of numerous buildings and the establishment of diverse businesses. Among these notable structures were the Bowman Dry Goods Building and land acquired from the Creek Indian community by Thomas Cundy, a wealthy Englishman. The land upon which St. George’s Episcopal Church stands holds its own unique history, initially awarded to a Creek Indian named Ollie Mayes. On June 5, 1903, Mayes sold the land to the Indian Territory Diocese of the Episcopal Church for $200. Over the years, the church building changed ownership several times and is now held by a private foundation, serving as both a wedding venue and a church museum. The building proudly displays its original pews and an organ that predates 1903, donated by churches in Oklahoma City and Chandler. A testament to its historical significance, the church stands on the corner of 7th and Elm Streets and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The same year saw the construction of the Coppedge Drug building, which housed B.T. Coppedge’s drugstore. In 1904, a general store was erected, later becoming home to the Bristow Record, the town’s first long-term newspaper. In 1906, the Stone Building was constructed, marking the arrival of the first brick commercial building in Bristow. A.H. Stone operated a hardware store within its walls for over 50 years. These historic buildings continue to stand as enduring symbols of Bristow, Oklahoma‘s rich heritage and architectural legacy.
When Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907, Bristow, Oklahoma was designated as the Creek County Seat, boasting a population of 1,134 residents. However, this designation was not without its challenges. On August 20, 1908, a special election was held to determine whether the county seat would remain in Bristow or be relocated to a more centrally located community. Despite Bristow’s larger population and superior railroad connections, Sapulpa emerged victorious in the election. However, Bristow contested the results, alleging voting irregularities. Several years later, the election was declared void, and a new vote was scheduled for November 20, 1912. Once again, Sapulpa prevailed, solidifying its position as the Creek County Seat.
The city continued to flourish, and in 1915, a transformative event occurred: the discovery of oil and gas in the surrounding area. This discovery ushered in an era of unprecedented economic prosperity and growth. By the 1920s, Bristow had transformed into a full-fledged oil boom town, attracting numerous oil companies that established operations in and around the city. The Oklahoma-Southwestern Railway Company constructed a short line connecting the oilfields to Bristow, further facilitating the transportation of resources. Three refineries and four pipeline companies established operations, solidifying the city’s position as a key player in the oil industry. By 1930, the city had reached its peak population of 6,619 residents.
During these prosperous years, further construction and business development transformed Bristow, Oklahoma. Notable additions included the art deco style Dial-Carman Building, which initially housed the Katz Department Store; the Bristow Floral Co., built as offices for the company and consistently used for floral businesses; the Modern Hotel; the Bristow Library; the train depot; and the Roland Hotel building, which also housed one of the first radio stations in Oklahoma. Many of these structures remain standing as testaments to the city’s architectural heritage.
The 1920s were indeed an exciting period for Bristow, Oklahoma. Not only was the town experiencing economic growth, but the iconic Route 66 also began to traverse its streets in 1926. This artery of commerce brought a constant stream of travelers, stimulating the growth of service-oriented businesses to cater to their needs. It was during this era that Gene Autry, the famed singing cowboy, worked briefly as a telegrapher at the Frisco Depot. He later transferred to Sapulpa and then to Chelsea, where he was discovered by Will Rogers. Rogers, upon hearing Autry play the guitar, was so impressed that he mentioned the young musician on his national radio show, launching Autry’s career as a country-western star. Later, Autry returned to Bristow to broadcast a radio show from the Roland Hotel Building.
Although the oil boom subsided by the 1930s, resulting in a population decline over the following decades, Bristow, Oklahoma continued to thrive. The town diversified its economy, attracting several manufacturing businesses. By 1970, the population stood at 4,653 residents.
Today, Bristow has evolved into a community that offers a blend of small-town values and city amenities. Agriculture, industry, medicine, and education provide employment for many of the area’s residents. The community, with a population of approximately 4,500, welcomes visitors to explore its historic buildings and the Town Square, which opens onto Historic Route 66/Main Street. The city boasts more brick streets than any other town in Oklahoma. The historic 1923 Bristow Train Depot houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Bristow Historical Museum, where visitors can find railroad-related displays and exhibits about the city’s history and Native American heritage from Indian Territory days to the present. The Chamber of Commerce provides a History Tour brochure that lists 37 buildings and places of historical interest within the city, including St. George’s Episcopal Church, the Montfort & Allie B. Jones Library, the Post Office, and the Wake Island War Memorial located on a 320-acre park on the lake.
For Route 66 enthusiasts, the Bristow Motor Co. Building, established in 1923 at 500 North Main Street, is a must-see. Now owned by Bolin Ford, the building was partially damaged in a fire in 2008. Bolin Ford rebuilt the damaged portions, incorporating Art Deco and Route 66-inspired architecture. Other notable Route 66 landmarks include the Bristow Tire Shop at 115 West 4th, the Texaco Service Station at 201 West 4th, and the historic Firestone building at 321 N. Main. In 2011, Jack Longacre restored and renovated the 1930 Firestone building into the Bristow Body Shop, complete with a vintage-looking neon sign. For a bite to eat, Russ’ Ribs at 223 S Main Street is a perfect stop, located in the old Hamburger King building, where Bob Wills and his band frequented on late-night runs between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
From Bristow, Oklahoma, travelers can continue their journey down Route 66 for another seven miles to Depew, Oklahoma.
More Information:
Bristow Chamber of Commerce
1 Railroad Place
P.O. Box 127
Bristow, Oklahoma
918-367-5151