The Active Historian

Hey, Friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic marker for Council Grove in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Let’s get started!

Historic Marker Transcription

Council Grove

“This location marks the southeast corner of Council Grove, a three-and-one-half square mile section rich in history. The land was heavily wooded, creating an ideal meeting place for the Muscogee (Creek), Kiowa, and Comanche nations with shady areas abounding with cottonwood and elm trees. Jesse Chisholm, a trader of Scottish and Cherokee descent, opened a trading post in Council Grove in 1858. Chisholm encouraged cattle rancher Montford T. Johnson (Chickasaw) to establish a ranch in the area. Vicey Hermon (or Harmon, Chickasaw) managed the ranch, also known as “Johnson’s Grove,” which became known as the first permanent settlement in present-day Oklahoma City. In 1874, the federal government established a military reservation within Council Grove to provide wood for the construction of Fort Reno. David Payne established a Boomer camp in Council Grove in 1880. In 1885, William Couch announced his intentions to colonize present-day Oklahoma County near Johnson’s ranch, only to be removed by U.S. cavalry. All of Council Grove except for the military reservation was opened to settlement on April 22, 1889. The Council Grove military reservation opened to settlement in December 1899.”

Visit

820 N MacArthur 

Oklahoma City, OK 73127

TRAVEL TIP: This historic marker is located in front of Castle Falls in Oklahoma City on an incline that is relatively steep.

Sources

Historic Marker.