Muskogee, situated at the confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris, and Grand Rivers in northwest Oklahoma, is a bustling city known for Merle Haggard and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame as well as the Three Rivers Museum housed in an old train depot.
History
Muskogee Oklahoma
boasts a long and colorful history. Situated along the Arkansas River, its many
historical sites tell its tale. Additionally, there are several museums here
such as the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and U.S. Batfish - an actual WWII
submarine! Before the arrival of the railroad in 1872, Muskogee was nothing
more than a tent city along the line of the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railways.
Doctor Cummings opened his first store in Muskogee during the early 1860s
across from the railroad track. In 1874, the Federal Government combined each
of Muskogee's separate Indian agent offices into one Union Agency and made it
its headquarters. This marked an important milestone in Muskogee's development
as it effectively made it the capital of the Indian Territory.
Muskogee was also home
to numerous Indian agencies and government offices during this time, such as the
Creek, Seminole, Cherokee, and Quapaw Agency. The
Creek Agency was situated at the base of Fern Mountain, about three miles
northwest of Muskogee. Here, Indians would frequent Aunt Sarah Davis' tavern
for food and drink - where they were well catered to. Before Muskogee was
founded, several Indian tribes lived along the three rivers--Arkansas, Grand,
and Verdigris--north of the city. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation was the largest
among them and held control over much of this land through its national
government.
As the American Civil
War came to a close, Joseph Sondheimer, a Jewish businessman from Bavaria,
established a warehouse here to sell hides to soldiers. This success spurred
other traders to relocate to the vicinity. By the early 1870s, the city had grown
and become an important trading center. Cotton production became the mainstay
of its economy during the 19th century. In the late 1920s, cotton prices fell dramatically,
and Muskogee's economy crumbled. As a result, most of Muskogee's industry moved
away from cotton production into truck farming and ranching activities.
Arts & Culture
Muskogee's arts scene
is vibrant year-round, boasting concerts, theatre productions, and arts
festivals. The Muskogee area also features several museums and cultural
centers. One of the best-known is the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which
preserves the art and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee
(Creek), and Seminole tribes. Other museums include the Three Rivers Museum,
which explores the region's railroad history; and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame which honors
musicians from throughout Oklahoma. Furthermore, Muskogee also boasts an
exciting theater scene with its state-of-the-art Muskogee Little Theatre
performing shows at its new home in Depot District. Another popular event is
the Azalea Festival, held each spring at Historic Honor Heights Park. This
festival includes a Native American art market, a trolley tour of the downtown
area, and parade participants. Many of these events are free and open to the
public, while others, such as OKArtCrawl statewide drive-by exhibition, serve
as fundraisers for local artists.
Muskogee's art scene
has always been an integral part of its heritage. Today, Muskogee's Depot
District serves as a bustling cultural hub that spans Main Street to Fourth Street
and Elgin Street to Columbus Street in downtown. The district, situated in the
former Midland Valley Railroad Depot, is home to various cultural and
recreational amenities. Additionally, it contains Centennial Trail - a 5-mile
paved bike path that cuts through its center. In the area, there are a number
of museums to visit such as the Museum of Indian Art and Culture and the Chickasaw
National Heritage Center. The latter showcases both traditional and
contemporary Chickasaw artists' works. In addition to its many museums, the
city also houses several art galleries. These exhibitions showcase the works of
various artists from painters to sculptures to photographers. Some are owned by
local art groups while others operate independently.
Dining
Muskogee offers an
extensive selection of dining establishments, from classic American cuisine to
delectable foreign dishes. So, whether you're craving a quick bite or planning
an elegant dinner for two, there is something for everyone in this picturesque
city! Runts Bar-B-Q & Grill is one of the finest restaurants in town,
offering a wide range of combo meals and specialty sandwiches. Additionally,
they have an impressive catering service for special events. Open daily from
10:30 am to 10:00 pm, the restaurant can accommodate your dining needs. If
you're in the mood for an irresistible meal, check out their Sliced Brisket
Combo Meal. It includes 4oz of sliced brisket, toast, and a drink.
Alternatively, order their Original Runtwich which features pork tenderloin,
ham, hot links, sliced brisket, and bologna on thick
toast.
Momma C's Soul Food
Kitchen is another excellent restaurant to check out when looking for delicious
food in Muskogee. This eatery boasts an inviting atmosphere, generous portions,
and friendly staff. Their menu boasts several mouth-watering dishes such as
Chicken Fried Steak with gravy and mashed potatoes, Fried Catfish with
hushpuppies, and Sweet Potato Pie. Try their Sweet Corn on the Cobb, served
with green beans and mashed potatoes. Their fried chicken dinner (chicken,
rice, and salad) is another popular choice. For a home-cooked meal in Muskogee,
look no further than The Amish Country Store and Restaurant. Here, chefs craft
dishes using centuries-old Amish recipes; plus they sell baked goods, candy,
fried pies, and fudge as well.
For an indulgent
dessert, The Harmony House is a beloved restaurant and bakery established in
1992. Situated within an iconic 100-year-old building, guests are sure to feel
welcome as they choose from an extensive menu of delectable meals as well as
homemade baked goods like cookies or iced brownies. They also feature signature
cakes and pies like key lime pie or carrot cake.
Nightlife
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