The Active Historian

Hey, Friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic marker for Mulvey Springs in Yukon, Oklahoma. This was an historic watering hole along the Chisholm Trail. Let’s get started!

Mulvey Pond was an important stop along the Chisholm Trail for many cattle herds and cowboys. The five-acre pond was clear and cool after miles on the trail. This was a spring-fed pond which allowed for the grass to grow along the area. Some trail bosses would bed their herds down here overnight. The Chuck Wagons cooks would also take the opportunity to refill their water barrels in the clear springs.

The springs were named for brothers, Owen and Michael Mulvey. They moved to Yukon in 1893 and helped operate a small grocery store. In 1904, they opened Mulvey Mercantile Company which was the largest retailer in Yukon until the 1930s.

Today, this area is a city park in Yukon with lots of activities. You definitely want to get out of the car and stretch your legs here if you’re driving along Route 66 in Oklahoma!

Historic Marker Transcription

Chisholm Trail Watering Hole

Springs at this site furnished drinking water for chuckwagons, cattle, and horses

1867-1889

Monument erected by Yukon Centennial Committee: David Adams, Sara Nee Ball, Chairperson Marilyn Brickey, Vernon, Dorton, Maggie Fuchs, Jeff Hudson, Chris Kastl, John Knuppel, Chairperson David Landes, Larry Taylor, Margaret Tulp, and Pam Wright.

AND

The City of Yukon Council: Gene Henry, Betty Kilgore, Vice Mayor David O. Brannon, Mayor Jerry Shelton, and Frank Wagrer.

City Manager: Stan Greil

1991

Sources

Historic Marker.

“Chisholm Trail History.” chisholmtrail.org.

Carol Moody Bond. “A Glimpse of Yukon.” Yukon 66 Main Street Association.