Historical Marker Program

Guthrie

Logan County
Location: on US-77 in south Guthrie
Sponsor(s): Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Daughters of the American Revolution
Topics: Early Statehood, 1907–1941; Government; Social/Cultural; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

Guthrie was the capital of Oklahoma Territory and first capital of the state of Oklahoma, named in honor of Kansas Judge John Guthrie. The town's first post office opened on April 4, 1889. Guthrie was a station on the Santa Fe Railroad before the run of April 22, 1889. The constitutional convention was held here, and Charles Haskell, the state's first governor, was inaugurated here on November 16, 1907.

Note: This marker no longer exists.

Guthrie

Logan County
Location: in Mineral Wells Park on south edge of Guthrie
Coordinates: 35.868752, -97.426179
Material: Granite with stone base
Sponsor(s): Daughters of the American Revolution
Topics: Early Statehood, 1907–1941; Government; Social/Cultural; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

This area opened April 22, 1889, became 1st capital of new state of Oklahoma and was only capital of Oklahoma Territory. State constitutional convention held here in 1906. Capitol Building now part of Scottish Rite Consistory. History typical of early land rush area with unique political role. Many early public buildings and homes survive.

Guthrie City Hall

Logan County
Location: at Second Street and Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie
Coordinates: 35.878163, -97.427701
Material: Aluminum
Sponsor(s): Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
Topics: Government; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

The cornerstone for the Guthrie City Hall building was laid on April 9, 1902. The second floor of the structure was used for Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention beginning in November 1906. The city hall was razed in 1955, and a new building was constructed.

Guthrie Daily Leader

Logan County
Location: at Division Street and Harrison Avenue in Guthrie
Coordinates: 35.876916, -97.425855
Material: Aluminum
Sponsor(s): Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
Topics: Mass Communication; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

Built in 1891, the building became home to the Guthrie Daily Leader three years later. The paper was the prominent Democratic newspaper in Oklahoma Territory. The structure was completely remodeled in 1976.

Guthrie National Bank

Logan County
Location: at First Street and Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie
Coordinates: 35.878103, -97.426731
Material: Aluminum
Topics: Early Statehood, 1907–1941; Government; Industry/Business; Territorial Period, 1861–1907; Urban Development

The bank was the first brick structure built in what would become Oklahoma Territory. Completed in the summer of 1889, the building housed the grand reception for a visiting congressional delegation in September of that year. In 1923, the present building replaced the original structure. The Guthrie National Bank was the first national bank chartered in either of the twin territories.

Woody Guthrie

Okfuskee County
Location: on West Broadway Street in Okemah
Coordinates: 35.431312, -96.304030
Material: Other (Brick with bronze plaque)
Sponsor(s): Friends of Libraries U.S.A./Grammy Museum
Topics: Arts; Early Statehood, 1907–1941; Folklore/Folklife; Industrial Period, 1941–1982; Social/Culture

There are two historical markers commemorating the birthplace and hometown of Woody Guthrie at this site. Woody Guthrie was born in Okemah on July 14, 1912. A renowned folk singer and writer, Guthrie penned This Land is Your Land and numerous other songs, poems, and books. Guthrie's music inspired subsequent generations of musicians of every genre. There is another marker on site dedicating the park in memory of Dale Wolfe and Lawrence Powers.