Foyil, Oklahoma – More Small Town 66

Nestled in the rolling landscape of Rogers County, Oklahoma, lies the quaint town of Foyil. A community steeped in history and interwoven with the iconic threads of Route 66, Foyil offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when small towns thrived as vital arteries of American life. Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Claremore, Foyil stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of rural America.

For much of the 19th century, the land encompassing present-day Foyil was part of the Cherokee Nation. This sovereign territory played a significant role in the lives of the Cherokee people, offering them a place to cultivate their traditions and build their communities. However, the tumultuous events of the Civil War would irrevocably alter the landscape and the fate of the Cherokee Nation.

During the Civil War, divisions arose within the Cherokee Nation, with some aligning themselves with the Confederacy. This decision had profound consequences, as the Union victory led to the forfeiture of certain Cherokee land rights. The Treaty of 1866 mandated the Cherokee to cede land and grant rights to railroad companies, setting the stage for the arrival of the iron horse and the transformation of the region.

The rumble of progress echoed through the area in 1881-82 as the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, later known as the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (or the Frisco), laid its tracks. This steel ribbon stretched from Vinita to Tulsa, cutting through the heart of what would become Foyil. The railroad’s arrival brought with it the promise of economic opportunity and connectivity, forever altering the trajectory of the nascent settlement.

The story of Foyil is inextricably linked to the man for whom it is named: Alfred Foyil. A Confederate soldier and courier during the Civil War, Alfred Foyil sought a new beginning in the vast expanse of Oklahoma, arriving in 1875. He married into a prominent Cherokee family and established himself as a farmer and entrepreneur, laying the foundation for the town that would bear his name.

Alfred Foyil’s contributions extended beyond agriculture and commerce. In 1890, a post office was established in the burgeoning community, and Alfred Foyil was appointed as its first postmaster. This marked a significant milestone, solidifying the settlement’s identity and officially christening it Foyil.

As the 19th century drew to a close, Foyil began to blossom into a bustling hub of activity. By 1898, the town boasted a drugstore and a furniture store, catering to the needs of its growing population. The early 20th century saw further expansion, with the addition of a bank in 1905, solidifying Foyil‘s position as a center of commerce in the region.

The year 1910 marked a turning point for Foyil, as the town was officially incorporated. With a population of approximately 150 residents, Foyil was a vibrant community, brimming with promise and potential. The following year, records painted a picture of a thriving town, complete with a hotel, a bank, blacksmiths, a barber, a carpenter, general stores, doctors, a drugstore, a lumberyard, a hardware store, a lawyer, a school system staffed by nine teachers, and its own newspaper, the Foyil Leader. These amenities reflected the self-sufficiency and dynamism that characterized small-town life in the early 20th century.

By 1920, Foyil‘s population had reached 109. A pivotal moment arrived in 1926 when Route 66, the "Mother Road," was routed through the community. This artery of commerce and travel brought a surge of traffic and visitors, injecting new life into Foyil and connecting it to the wider world. The promise of opportunity beckoned, and Foyil found itself at the crossroads of a changing nation.

The year 1928 brought both national recognition and local pride to Foyil when native son Andy Payne achieved an extraordinary feat. A member of the Cherokee tribe, Payne was a gifted runner who had grown up in Foyil. He entered the "Bunion Derby," a transcontinental foot race conceived by Charles C. Pyle to promote Route 66.

The race commenced in Los Angeles, California, on March 24, 1928, and stretched over 3,423.5 miles, culminating in New York City on May 26, 1928. The grueling competition tested the limits of human endurance, with only a quarter of the original 275 runners completing the race. By the fourth day, half of the participants had already dropped out, highlighting the sheer difficulty of the challenge.

After 84 days of relentless running, Andy Payne crossed the finish line, his total running time clocking in at 573 hours, 4 minutes, and 34 seconds, averaging a remarkable six miles per hour. Payne’s triumph earned him a $25,000 prize, which he selflessly used to pay off the mortgage on his father’s farm, securing his family’s livelihood and cementing his status as a local hero.

To honor Andy Payne’s incredible achievement, a statue was erected in a park situated between Route 66 and Andy Payne Boulevard in Foyil. The town’s main street, formerly part of the original alignment of Route 66, was renamed in his honor. Visitors can still traverse an original stretch of pinkish Portland Cement concrete, a tangible link to the town’s rich history and its connection to the iconic highway.

Despite the influx of Route 66 travelers, Foyil, like many other communities in Oklahoma, faced significant challenges during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The economic hardship and environmental devastation took a toll on the town, causing its population to dwindle from 184 in 1930 to 170 in 1940.

In 1946, Foyil was described in Jack D. Rittenhouse’s Guide Book to Highway 66 as a "small hamlet serving the farms and cattle ranches of the region," with limited amenities. While the town had two gas stations, two general stores, and a grocery store, Claremore remained the nearest banking community, reflecting the rural character of Foyil and its dependence on agriculture.

A significant blow came in 1962 when Route 66 was realigned to the west, bypassing some of the businesses along Andy Payne Boulevard. This diversion of traffic had a detrimental impact on the local economy, forcing some businesses to close their doors.

Despite these setbacks, Foyil persevered, continuing to serve the needs of local farmers and ranchers. The town’s population remained relatively stable, standing at 164 in 1970 and increasing slightly to 191 in 1980 before declining to 86 in 1990.

In 1999, a notable landmark near Foyil was recognized for its cultural significance. Nathan Edward Galloway’s folk art site, featuring a towering 90-foot-tall concrete totem pole, was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Totem Pole Park, attracting visitors and preserving a unique piece of Oklahoma’s artistic heritage.

The early 21st century brought renewed growth to Foyil. The town’s population surged from 234 in 2000 to 344 in 2010, representing a remarkable 47% increase. Today, Foyil is home to approximately 380 residents, a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to adapt to changing times.

Visitors to Foyil are encouraged to explore its historical landmarks and experience its small-town charm. Annie’s Diner, located at 12015 S. Poplar Street, occupies the building that once housed the Top Hat Dairy Bar, a beloved local institution since the 1970s. Another notable attraction is the restored Route 66 Texaco Station at 12243 South Andy Payne Blvd. This station, which began operations in 1926 and served customers until 1963, stands as one of the oldest Texaco stations still standing on Route 66.

The Route 66 Texaco Station has witnessed significant moments in Foyil‘s history. Andrew Hartley Payne famously ran past the station during his triumphant run in the Great Transcontinental Footrace of 1928. Singer and actor Gene Autry, who roomed at a boarding house across the street while working as a relief telegraph operator for the Frisco Railroad, was also a frequent visitor. Kean Isaacs is diligently restoring the station, preserving its historical integrity and ensuring that it remains a landmark for generations to come.

Just a short drive from Foyil, visitors can discover another remarkable attraction: Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park. Located four miles east of Foyil on Highway 28A, this park features the world’s largest concrete totem pole, a towering 90-foot structure adorned with vibrant folk art colors. The park also includes Galloway’s eleven-sided "Fiddle House," which once housed hundreds of hand-carved fiddles and now serves as a small museum. Throughout the park, visitors can admire numerous colorful totems that showcase a diverse range of Indian Folk Art, making it a worthwhile detour for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Continuing along Route 66, travelers will soon arrive in Claremore, Oklahoma, the hometown of the legendary Will Rogers. Foyil, with its blend of history, charm, and roadside attractions, serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of small-town America and the iconic highway that once connected the nation.