Guthrie, Oklahoma

Guthrie is a small city in the Logan County of the US State of Oklahoma. Initially established as a railroad station stop, the small city rapidly gained 10,000 new residents after the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. The city was subsequently designated as the territorial capital and eventually became Oklahoma's first state capital in 1907. The city is known for its massive collection of historic Victorian architecture belonging to the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The Guthrie Historic District contains more than 2,000 buildings that have been listed as a National Historic Landmark. 

Geography And Climate Of Guthrie

Guthrie is a four-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region and is along one of the main roads into Texas and Mexico. The city lies in the Frontier Country area in the state's center. It is approximately 51km north of Oklahoma City. The city covers a total area of 50 sq. km, of which 48.4 sq. km is land, and 1.3 sq. km is water. Water makes up 2.81 percent of the total area. Guthrie is situated in Oklahoma's Sandstone Hills area, which is notable for its hills ranging in height from 250 to 400 feet, oak woodlands, and an ecological zone known as the Cross Timbers.

Except for the generally hot and humid summer months, Guthrie has a humid subtropical climate with numerous daily and seasonal fluctuations. During the summer, constant winds, generally from the south, aid in tempering the hot temperatures. Persistent northerly winds can exacerbate cold periods in the winter. January is the coldest month in Guthrie, with an average high of 8.8°C and a low of -0.38°C. July is Guthrie's hottest month, with an average high temperature of 34.38°C and a low temperature of 23°C.

History Of Guthrie

Guthrie began in 1887 as Deer Creek, a railroad station on the Southern Kansas Railway (later bought by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway) that stretched from the Kansas–Oklahoma border to Purcell. The name was eventually changed to Guthrie, after Kansas judge John Guthrie. Guthrie, located in the Indian Territory's Unassigned Lands, had been chosen as the location for one of the Federal Land Offices where land seekers were needed to file a claim to their plots. A tent city had already taken over the landscape by the evening of April 22. Tents scattered across the slopes around Cottonwood Creek were quickly replaced by wooden structures soon after. Guthrie grew to become one of the greatest cities west of the Mississippi, and it rapidly became noted for its gorgeous redbrick and native sandstone structures. Oklahoma became a US Territory in 1890 with the passing of the Organic Act, and Guthrie was chosen as the Territorial Capital. On November 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt declared Oklahoma a state, with Guthrie serving as the first state capital. It was to be the capital until 1913 when a referendum would be held to determine a permanent location. As the new state government gained prominence, the political situation became heated between the governor and legislature and Frank Greer, editor of the State Capital Newspaper. Governor Haskell asked for an early statewide election to settle the dispute as a result of the conflict. Oklahoma City was chosen as the state capital by a majority vote on June 11, 1910.

Population And Economy Of Guthrie

As per the latest US census, the current population of Guthrie is 12,123 inhabitants. Guthrie's racial demographics are 77.1% White, 14.8% Black, 4.5% Two or more races, 3.1 % American Indian, 0.4 % Others, and 0.1 % Asian. Furthermore, 5.6 % of the population identifies as Hispanic. Guthrie has a median household income of $64,827 and a poverty rate of 21.49 percent. The city has modest industry, including the fabrication of furniture and oil-field equipment, and functions as a service center for the neighboring oil and agricultural areas.

Attractions In Guthrie

Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library

Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library is a local history museum in Guthrie highlighting Oklahoma's heritage and history. It is housed in a stunning 1902 Renaissance Revival architecture and is part of the Guthrie Museum Complex, together with Carnegie Library. The Museum's purpose is to maintain Oklahoma's past through displaying, collecting, and presenting archival and material assets. Guthrie's Historic Carnegie Library first opened its doors in 1902. It was Oklahoma's second Carnegie Library.

Pollard Theatre

Pollard Theatre Company is a professional theater company that is acknowledged by critics and artists as one of the leading theatrical organizations in central Oklahoma. The Pollard presents six significant works in a typical season, exhibiting its range and high creative standards while challenging artists, audiences, and communities. The theatre has featured some of the region's most outstanding talent, including performers from other Oklahoma City area stages and emerging artists from local universities.

Guthrie Ghost Walk

Guthrie's historic downtown has always been a breeding place for ghosts and spirits. The downtown area has been the venue for numerous stories of broken hearts, strange occurrences, and evil intent, as proven by the gunshot holes in the Bluebell Saloon's ceiling and the Territorial Jail's shuttered windows. Visitors may stroll through the country's largest historic district and witness exquisite buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They'll hear stories of hauntings, sightings, and unusual happenings, and if they're lucky, they might even see some of them. The Apothecary Garden on Oklahoma Avenue and 2nd Street is the starting point for every Guthrie Ghost Walk. The tours last about 90 minutes.

Avid Extreme Sports

The most extensive outdoor paintball field in the area is Avid Extreme Sports Park North in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It spans over 60 acres of forested terrain and has eight playfields. Avid Extreme Sports specializes in all sizes and types of paintball parties.

Territorial Capital Sports Museum

The Territorial Capital Sports Museum honors Oklahoma's rich sporting tradition. In addition to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has received a State Historic Preservation Officer's Citation of Merit for its extraordinary contributions to the preservation of history. The museum includes 13,000 square feet of display area and various things from legendary athletes from football, basketball, baseball, golf, and even rodeo.

Lazy E Arena

The Lazy E Arena, which was established in 1984, has hosted some of the most popular rodeo shows in the country, including the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo. The Lazy E Arena, a top western entertainment complex, presents over 40 events every year. The other activities offered to guests include the Cinch Timed Event Championship, the Ironman, the Ironman Jr., and many more.

Cimarron National Golf Course

The Cimmaron National Golf Course, which features not one, but two 18-hole golf courses, is unquestionably a must-visit for golf lovers. The Cimarron National Golf Course, which both residents and visitors visit, provides wonderful golfing experiences for players of all skill levels.