Nestled about 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, Geary, Oklahoma, stands as a small town in Blaine County with a rich and compelling history. Located at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 270 and 281, Geary, Oklahoma, though modest in its 2020 census population of 994 residents, boasts a vibrant past rooted deeply in the settlement of the American West and the development of major transportation routes.
The Foundations of Geary: Native Lands and Early Settlement
The land that would become Geary was first home to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Native American tribes, who permanently settled this area. Their traditional lands were dramatically reorganized with the Organic Act of 1890, which officially established Oklahoma Territory. Following this, reservation lands were divided, with 160 acres allocated to individual tribal members, and the remaining surplus land was purchased by the U.S. government. This surplus was then opened to new settlers during the historic “Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening” in April 1892.
The town of Geary began to take shape shortly after this land opening. A townsite company acquired two quarter sections of land from Shubell Huff and his son William, who had filed their claims in the wake of the settlement event. Initially, the townsite was laid out approximately one and a half miles northwest of its current location. However, settlers soon learned that the Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad was extending its lines west from El Reno. Recognizing the vital importance of rail access for future growth and prosperity, the town was strategically relocated southeast, closer to the anticipated railroad line.
The town was named in honor of Edmund Guerrier, a respected scout and interpreter for the U.S. Army, who was of French and Cheyenne heritage. Guerrier held an allotment of land situated just three miles northeast of the new townsite. Due to the challenges many faced in pronouncing “Guerrier,” the town’s name was simplified to Geary. A post office, a clear sign of a growing community, was officially established on October 12, 1892.
Growth, Commerce, and the Roaring Twenties
Following its establishment, Geary quickly transformed into a bustling trade center, serving the surrounding agricultural region. Businesses and churches began to sprout, catering to the needs of its rapidly expanding population. By 1902, the community experienced significant growth, reporting an impressive population of 2,561. This period marked a true boom for the nascent town.
Among the earliest and most significant establishments was the First National Bank, proudly recognized as “the oldest bank in Blaine County,” a testament to Geary’s early commercial ambition. In 1903, G. F. Gillespie further bolstered the local economy by founding the Bank of Commerce, which later became known as the American State Bank. While the American State Bank ultimately succumbed to the economic pressures of the Great Depression, the original Gillespie Building stands today as a significant historical landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now houses the Canadian Rivers Historical Museum.
Despite a slight dip in population to 1,452 by 1910, Geary remained a vibrant hub of activity. The town supported a diverse array of businesses, including multiple dry goods stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, three lumberyards, three banks, two bakeries, a rooming house, a flour mill, a broom factory, bottling works, cotton gins, grain elevators, and a remarkable eleven saloons. Modern conveniences were also introduced, with a telephone system and electric power soon becoming available. Early local newspapers, such as the Geary Bulletin and the Geary Journal, kept residents informed and connected.
The Era of Route 66 and its Aftermath
By 1912, Geary was an integral stop along the Postal Highway, a significant transportation artery that would later become a part of the legendary Route 66 when the Mother Road was formally established through the area in 1926. The arrival of Route 66 brought a considerable boost to the city, contributing to its population growth which reached 1,892 by 1930. This period was one of optimism and increased commerce, as travelers traversed the nation along this iconic highway.
However, this transportation-fueled prosperity proved to be somewhat short-lived. In 1933, a pivotal infrastructure project saw the construction of a new “Pony Bridge” across the Canadian River, located downriver from Bridgeport. The following year, Route 66 underwent a major realignment, creating a more direct path from El Reno to Hydro. This new route unfortunately bypassed Calumet, Bridgeport, and importantly, Geary. While this realignment facilitated quicker travel for motorists, it delivered a significant economic blow to the towns left off the main thoroughfare.
By 1940, Geary’s population had declined to 1,634 residents, a clear indication of the impact of the Route 66 bypass. Nevertheless, Geary demonstrated remarkable resilience, managing to fare better than its neighboring bypassed communities like Calumet and Bridgeport, showcasing the strength of its established local economy and community spirit.
Exploring Geary Today: Historical Gems and Nearby Landmarks
Today, visitors to Geary, Oklahoma, can delve into its rich past by exploring several noteworthy attractions. The Canadian Rivers Historical Museum, housed in the beautifully preserved Gillespie Building at 100 E Main Street, offers a captivating journey through local history. This National Register of Historic Places site features a variety of themed rooms, recreating a turn-of-the-century bank, post office, doctor and dentist office, barbershop, country school, and kitchen. Outside, an old Rock Island caboose and the area’s first log jail, used until 1909, provide further glimpses into Geary’s heritage. The museum’s displays include war items, Native American artifacts, antique appliances, tools, and other significant historical artifacts. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to support its preservation efforts.
Just eight miles northeast of Geary lies the hallowed site of Jesse Chisholm’s grave. Chisholm, a legendary trader, guide, interpreter, and explorer, was instrumental in blazing the famous Chisholm Trail and established numerous trading posts stretching from Kansas City to the Red River. He passed away on March 4, 1868, and was laid to rest next to Left Hand Spring. A distinctive granite marker now stands at the site, which was fittingly added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, recognizing its profound historical importance.
For those interested in the old alignment of Route 66, a scenic drive southwest from Geary covers approximately 13.5 miles, leading towards the near-ghost town of Bridgeport. Along this historic path, travelers will encounter the challenging Bridgeport Hill, a long and steep incline. Local legend recounts that in the early days of the Mother Road, many Model A’s and Model T’s struggled so much that drivers often had to ascend the hill in reverse to generate sufficient power.
Before reaching Bridgeport, visitors will cross the impressive Canadian River Bridge, a structure of immense historical significance and the longest bridge along Route 66. Constructed in 1933, this remarkable bridge spans the South Canadian River as part of the upgraded alignment of Route 66 (now US 281). Comprising 38 pony truss sections, each 100 feet in length, the three-quarter-mile-long bridge officially opened in 1934. Notably, the western end of the Canadian River Bridge achieved cinematic fame, appearing in the classic 1939 film Grapes of Wrath during the scene where “Grandpa” dies and is buried. This newer bridge replaced an older suspension bridge that previously connected Geary and Bridgeport, further solidifying the region’s connection to America’s most famous highway.
Conclusion
Geary, Oklahoma, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America, marked by its origins in Native American lands, its boom as a vital agricultural trade center, and its complex relationship with the iconic Route 66. From the pioneering efforts of its early settlers to its adaptation in the face of changing transportation routes, Geary has consistently demonstrated its resilience. Today, its historical museum and proximity to significant landmarks like Jesse Chisholm’s grave and the famous Canadian River Bridge ensure that Geary remains a captivating destination for those seeking to explore the authentic history and charm of the Oklahoma plains. It offers a unique window into the past, preserving stories of struggle, growth, and the unbreakable American spirit.
