Logan County: Culture and History in Guthrie

Guthrie is the county seat of Logan County in Oklahoma. The following cultural sites and activities are located in Guthrie; they offer an urban focus for a stay in the county.

When planning a trip to Guthrie, consider whether you are especially interested in historic buildings, exhibitions, local history, or theater performances.

Museums and History

Through artifacts, photographs, and paintings, the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library tells the story of the people who laid the foundations for the state of Oklahoma. The Carnegie Library was established in 1902 with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation.

The Melvin B. Tolson Black Heritage Center houses African artifacts. Visits to the Center are by appointment only; schedule your appointment before you travel.

The Territorial Capital Sports Museum honors Oklahoma athletes who went on to become professionals, Olympians, or national champions. The museum’s special exhibitions focus on women athletes and Native American athletes.

The Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum is housed in the historic Gaffney Building, which was built in 1890. The Apothecary Garden features dozens of examples of medicinal plants used by settlers and Native Americans. The museum and garden have different focuses: the museum is housed in a historic building, while the garden features medicinal plants with a history of use.

Architecture and Memorials

Downtown Guthrie is the largest historic preservation district in the United States. A tour of Guthrie offers insights into well-preserved Victorian architecture and the city’s history. The Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Center dates back to 1919 and was built from limestone. It includes 14 artistically designed rooms with designs drawing on Assyrian, Egyptian, English, French, Gothic Italian, Pompeian, and ancient Roman cultures.

The Indian Meridian Monument marks the dividing line between Oklahoma and the Indian Territories, established in 1870. It also once served as a marker along the historic Ozark Trail. Its current role marking the dividing line and its former role along the trail are distinct aspects of the monument’s history.

Planning Tours and Performances

First Capital Trolley tours of Guthrie’s historic district are offered on Saturdays at noon and 2 p.m. Check Saturday departures before you travel. A walking tour of selected downtown landmarks and stories, lasting about 90 minutes, starts at the Apothecary Garden. For the trolley, Saturday departures are key; for the walking tour, the approximate duration and starting point help with planning.

The Pollard Theatre venue was restored for live performances and received a 30-foot-high proscenium stage and a new fly system. The production “A Territorial Christmas Carol” has been performed more than 1,000 times over a history spanning more than 30 years. Check the current season before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Guthrie, Crescent.

Discover more destinations: Choctaw, Sequoyah County, Caddo County, Grady County, Jefferson County, Murray County.

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