Calumet, Oklahoma – An Old Stretch of Route 66

The whisper of tires on asphalt, the ghosts of roadside diners, and the faded echoes of a bygone era – these are the sensations that linger along the old stretches of Route 66, particularly in towns like Calumet, Oklahoma. Situated in the northwestern part of Canadian County, about 13 miles northwest of El Reno on Highway 270, Calumet offers a poignant glimpse into the rise and, in some ways, the fall of communities inextricably linked to the Mother Road. This journey through Calumet isn’t just a geographical one; it’s a step back in time, a chance to connect with the spirit of early 20th-century America.

The early alignment of Route 66 (1926-1934) carved a path westward from El Reno, snaking its way through several small Oklahoma towns. The most notable of these include Calumet, Geary, and Bridgeport. These towns, once vibrant hubs of commerce and travel, bear the visible scars of progress, a stark reminder of the impact that superhighways can have on smaller communities. The construction of the El Reno bypass in 1934 effectively severed these towns from the main artery of Route 66, changing their destinies forever.

Before the arrival of automobiles and the allure of Route 66, the land surrounding what would become Calumet held a different significance. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were the first permanent settlers in this region. Their presence shaped the land and its history until the Organic Act of 1890. This act established the Oklahoma Territory from lands previously ceded to Indian Nations. The government then divided the reservation lands, allocating 160 acres to individual tribe members and purchasing the surplus. This surplus land was opened to settlement during the "Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening" in April 1892, marking a significant turning point in the region’s demographic landscape.

The seeds of Calumet‘s formal establishment were sown in 1898 when Reuben G. Shirk, recognizing the potential of the area, platted ten acres of his farm to create a townsite. This decision was prompted by the Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad’s plan to construct a depot in the vicinity. The name "Calumet" itself is derived from a variant term for the Native American ceremonial pipe, a subtle nod to the area’s indigenous heritage. The establishment of the Calumet post office in 1893 further solidified the community’s nascent identity. Anna Cowdrey initially ran the post office on her homestead, situated approximately two and a half miles southwest of the future town, before relocating it to the newly formed community.

The early 20th century witnessed a period of growth and development for Calumet. By 1901, the town boasted a population of around 100 residents. Following Oklahoma’s statehood in 1907, the population swelled to almost 300. The town’s growth was further fueled by the establishment of its first newspaper, the Calumet Chieftain, in 1908. The Chieftain served as the town’s primary source of news and information until 1942. By 1911, Calumet was a thriving agricultural community, boasting three combination mills and elevators, two general stores, a furniture store, and a hardware store, catering to the needs of the surrounding farmers and residents.

The arrival of Route 66 in 1926 brought a new wave of prosperity to Calumet. The original alignment of the Mother Road looped north from El Reno, passing through Calumet and Geary before heading south through Bridgeport. This influx of travelers and commerce significantly boosted the town’s economy. By the end of the 1920s, Calumet‘s population had reached 451, making it one of the larger towns in Canadian County. The promise of new opportunities and the allure of the open road transformed the once-quiet agricultural community into a bustling hub of activity.

However, the transportation boom experienced by Calumet was not destined to last. In 1933, a new Pony Bridge was constructed across the Canadian River, located downriver from Bridgeport. This infrastructure development paved the way for a significant realignment of Route 66. The following year, in 1934, Route 66 was rerouted directly from El Reno to Hydro, effectively bypassing Calumet, Geary, and Bridgeport. This realignment had a devastating impact on the economies of these towns.

The consequences of the Route 66 realignment were immediately felt in Calumet. By 1940, the town’s population had dwindled to approximately 300 people. This sharp decline underscored the vital role that the Mother Road had played in sustaining the community’s growth and prosperity. In response to the challenges posed by the changing economic landscape, Calumet was incorporated in 1942 to construct a city water system, a testament to the town’s resilience and determination to adapt.

Despite the setbacks of the 1930s, Calumet experienced a period of economic resurgence in the 1970s and early 1980s. This growth was fueled by the expansion of oil and gas fields in the area and the continued success of local farms. While the collapse of the oil and gas market in the mid-1980s presented new challenges, the town’s agriculture-related businesses remained relatively stable, providing a crucial economic anchor.

Today, Calumet stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America. Home to approximately 600 residents, the town maintains a close-knit community and a strong sense of local pride. The town’s single school building serves all grades, fostering a sense of continuity and connection among students. Old Route 66, still running through the center of town, offers a poignant reminder of Calumet‘s vintage past, with several murals adorning its buildings, depicting scenes from the town’s history and celebrating its connection to the Mother Road. These murals serve as visual reminders of the town’s heritage, attracting visitors and preserving its unique character.

A visit to Calumet is more than just a drive-through; it’s an opportunity to experience the essence of Route 66 and the resilience of the communities that it once sustained. It’s a chance to step back in time and appreciate the enduring spirit of small-town America. The journey continues eastward to nearby Geary, Oklahoma, just 11 miles distant, offering further exploration of the old alignment and the stories it holds.