Sapulpa, Oklahoma – Crossroads of America
Nestled approximately 15 miles west of Tulsa, Oklahoma, lies the city of Sapulpa, a vibrant community steeped in history and brimming with pride for its Route 66 heritage and rich Native American connections. This unique locale, once a vital crossroads, boasts a tapestry woven from diverse cultural influences, having witnessed the passage of flags representing five nations: Spain, France, England, Mexico, and the United States of America. Furthermore, during the tumultuous years of the Civil War, the Choctaw Indian Nation also claimed this territory under its banner, adding another layer to Sapulpa’s complex historical narrative. The city’s story is one richly imbued with Indian and early American folklore, a testament to its pivotal role in the shaping of the American West.
The genesis of Sapulpa can be traced back to 1850 when Jim Sapulpa, a member of the Creek Indian tribe, migrated to the area from Alabama. Establishing a homestead along the banks of Rock Creek, roughly a mile southeast of the present-day city center, Jim Sapulpa quickly recognized the potential for trade. He established a store within his home, diligently hauling essential supplies from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to cater to the needs of the burgeoning local population. This humble beginning marked the foundation upon which the city would eventually flourish.
A significant turning point in Sapulpa’s development arrived with the treaty of 1865, wherein the Creek Indians granted right-of-way to the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad. In 1886, the railroad extended its line to the site of modern-day Sapulpa. While the terminus initially lacked an official designation, the railroad workers affectionately dubbed it "Sapulpa Station," in honor of the area’s pioneering settler. This informal moniker quickly gained traction and solidified the town’s identity.
Before long, Sapulpa emerged as a crucial hub for cattle shipping, facilitating the movement of livestock across the region. The city’s significance as a transportation center was further enhanced by the establishment of a Fred Harvey Hotel at the railroad station, providing travelers with a welcome respite and contributing to the town’s growing reputation. In 1889, a post office was officially established, marking another milestone in Sapulpa’s development. The town was formally incorporated in 1898, solidifying its status as a recognized municipality.
Although the presence of oil had been detected in nearby areas such as Chelsea in 1889, Muskogee and Bartlesville in 1897, and Red Fork in 1901, the true potential of the region as a major oil reserve remained largely unrealized until the momentous opening of the Glenpool Field in November 1905. Located just four miles southeast of Sapulpa, the Glenpool Field unleashed an unprecedented oil boom, ushering in an era of unparalleled growth and prosperity for the city.
The confluence of the oil boom, the Frisco Railroad, and the establishment of numerous brick-and-glass plants transformed Sapulpa from a sleepy, unassuming village into a vibrant and bustling community. By the mid-1920s, the city’s population had swelled to an impressive 20,000 residents. The majority of the buildings that grace downtown Sapulpa today were constructed during this period of rapid expansion, reflecting the city’s newfound wealth and ambition.
Sapulpa has long been known as "The Crossroads of America," a testament to its strategic location at the intersection of U.S. Highway 66 and U.S. Highway 75. In the pre-interstate era, Route 66 served as the primary east-west artery of the western United States, while U.S. 75 provided a vital north-south link, stretching from Canada to the Gulf Coast at Galveston, Texas. Even today, Sapulpa remains a significant crossroads, with five major highways converging within its boundaries.
Today, this Main Street City, home to approximately 20,000 residents, takes immense pride in its distinctive character, shaped by three pivotal historical factors: its Native American heritage, its railroad legacy, and its oil boom past. The city has been recognized for its commitment to preservation and architectural rehabilitation, receiving ten statewide awards for its efforts. As you traverse this beautifully preserved community, you will be captivated by the artistic advertising displays that adorn many of its vintage buildings, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm to the urban landscape.
Throughout the year, Sapulpa hosts a variety of special events that draw visitors and residents alike. These include summer concerts on Main Street, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere, and the popular Route 66 Blowout, an annual event held in downtown Sapulpa since 1990. The Route 66 Blowout celebrates the nostalgia of the Mother Road with a well-attended car, motorcycle, and truck show; art show and sale; historic walking tours; live music; crafts; and commercial vendors.
Sapulpa was once renowned as the home of Frankoma Pottery, a globally recognized brand. For decades, visitors were welcomed to take complimentary factory tours, observing skilled artisans as they meticulously crafted pottery using techniques passed down since the 1930s. However, after years of decline, Frankoma Pottery closed its doors in 2010, and its contents were auctioned off the following year. Despite the closure of the factory, Frankoma pottery remains a beloved collectible, found in antique stores and homes throughout Oklahoma and across the nation.
While exploring this Main Street City, be sure to visit the Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum, a testament to the city’s rich automotive history. Built in 1922 by Waite Phillips, the building has been meticulously restored by the Sapulpa Historical Society and now houses a collection of automobiles from the 1920s. The museum is conveniently located one block off historic Route 66 at 26 E. Lee Avenue. For a deeper dive into the city’s past, visit the Sapulpa Historical Museum, housed in a historic 1910 hotel. The museum features exhibits, dioramas depicting the early days of the Frisco Railroad and the 1894 Sapulpa townsite, a 100-year pictorial history of Sapulpa, Native American and African-American photo histories, and much more. The museum is located at 100 E Lee Avenue.
Just three miles west of Sapulpa, an old alignment of Route 66 follows what was once known as the Ozark Trail, often referred to as the "Father of the Mother Road." This historic concrete ribbon once served as a 3.3-mile stretch of Route 66 until the early 1950s. To access this old alignment, travel 1.2 miles west of the Oklahoma 66-Oklahoma 97 intersection in Sapulpa. The old trail begins at the 1921 steel-truss Rock Creek Bridge, a testament to engineering ingenuity. The bridge, complete with its original red brick pavement, can still be traversed, offering a glimpse into the past. Beyond the bridge lie the remains of the long-abandoned TeePee Drive-In Theater, a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. The old pavement continues to meander beneath a 1925 railroad trestle, through wooded areas dotted with secluded houses, before rejoining Oklahoma Route 66.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Sapulpa offers access to two picturesque lakes: Pretty Water, known for its excellent trout fishing, and Lake Sahoma, providing opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating.
Continue your journey on the Mother Road beyond Sapulpa to Kellyville, Oklahoma, and discover even more of the rich history and scenic beauty that this region has to offer.
More Information:
Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce