The Active Historian

Catoosa Historical Museum: Catoosa, OK

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Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you a museum that I stumbled across on Google maps while mapping my route through Catoosa.

A red train caboose stands prominently on a brick pathway in front of a building labeled 'Catoosa.' The scene includes green grass, a railroad crossing sign, and decorative street lamps under a blue sky.

As I zoomed in I noticed a second tiny purple museum circle a few blocks from the D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa. The D.W. Correll Museum was the first place I planned to stop that day. I zoomed in closer on the map and saw the red and yellow train car – I knew I had to visit.

Red train caboose displayed outside with signs reading 'Ship it on the Frisco!' and 'Radio Equipped', surrounded by green trees and blue sky.
Red train caboose with 'FRISCO SL-SF 1882' lettering parked on a brick surface, surrounded by greenery and blue sky.

The Catoosa Historical Society Museum is housed in an old train depot. Unfortunately, the museum building was closed on the day I visited so I couldn’t go inside. TRAVEL OK says the collection includes vintage photos of the town, train depot records, local history displays, and more.

Exterior view of the Catoosa Historical Society Museum, an old train depot with a sign reading 'CATOOSA,' featuring large windows, a gray wooden facade, and a small green table and chairs on the porch.
Exterior view of the Catoosa Historical Society Museum, housed in an old train depot with a sloped roof and an 'OPEN' sign. The building features large windows, benches, and is surrounded by trees under a blue sky.

There was also a replica of the original post office in Catoosa. This was a neat building and I wish I had been able to go inside.

Front view of the replica of the original Catoosa Post Office, featuring a sign that reads 'US POST OFFICE CATOOSA OKLA'. The building has a wooden porch and is surrounded by greenery.
Exterior view of the replica of the original US Post Office in Catoosa, Oklahoma, surrounded by greenery and under a blue sky.
Plaque honoring Georgia E. McAfee, President of the Catoosa Historical Society from 1996 to 2019, detailing her contributions and dedication to the community.

The plaque above reads:

Georgia E. McAfee

Catoosa Historical Society

President 1996-2019

“This replica of the original Catoosa Post Office was built in memory of Georgia E. McAfee, in loving recognition of her years of commitment to the Catoosa Historical Society and community.

Georgia’s faith, energy, and drive were an inspiration to all who knew her. This museum complex was her vision and was built under her leadership and direction. She was instrumental in not only establishing and building the Historical Society, but also envisioned and coordinated construction of the Centennial Clock and surrounding park. She served tirelessly on the Chamber Board and committees, and spent hours as an advisor for Catoosa Public schools. She was treasurer of the Catoosa Reunion Committee (“Old Timers” Reunion) for over 40 years. She will be remembered for her strength, determination, and unfaltering commitment to sharing Catoosa’s history while encouraging the growth and prosperity of her hometown. Funded and constructed in 2020 by the McAfee family to honor a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated civic leader.”

Concluding Thoughts

I enjoyed walking around and looking at the buildings and the old train car. I hope to swing by one day when they’re open so I can learn more about the history of Catoosa! 

Happy Traveling, friend! I’ll talk to ya soon 🙂

Visit

207 S Cherokee

Catoosa,  OK 74015

Sources

“Catoosa Historical Society Museum” – TRAVEL OK

Sign indicating the Historical Museum in Catoosa, Oklahoma, featuring the phrase 'Discover Catoosa' and 'Pride Grows Here,' alongside a historic Route 66 sign.

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