Welcome to the Major County Historical Society in Fairview, Oklahoma, a place where the echoes of history resonate through the wide-open plains. Established in 1968, the society was chartered to preserve and present the rich tapestry of Major County’s past. The land around Fairview was first opened to non-Indian settlers during the great land run of September 16, 1893, as part of the Cherokee Outlet. These early days saw a flood of settlers, many from Kansas, including a significant number of Mennonite Brethren who brought with them a strong sense of community and faith.
The county itself was officially formed in 1907, named after John Charles Major, a delegate to the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention. Fairview, the county seat, was so named for its stunning views of the nearby Glass Mountains, a series of majestic buttes composed of shimmering selenite crystal.
One of the most fascinating geological features in the area is the Ames Structure, hidden beneath layers of sand and soil. This ancient impact crater, thought to have been created by a meteorite millions of years ago, underscores the area’s long and storied history.
Over the decades, Major County has been a site of significant historical events. It experienced the devastating dust storms of the 1930s Dust Bowl era, a period that challenged the resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. The Major County Historical Society itself stands as a testament to this rich history, housing a museum that features artifacts and exhibits from various periods of the county’s past.
On the grounds of the society, you’ll find historic buildings that have been relocated to preserve their legacy. These include a one-room schoolhouse, two churches from Ames, Oklahoma, and a sawmill, offering visitors a window into the daily life of early settlers. The museum also proudly displays the AT&SF locomotive #2522, a relic from the age of railroads that played a crucial role in developing the American Midwest.
Not only a keeper of history, the society is also a vibrant part of the community, hosting events and educational programs that celebrate the region’s heritage. As you explore the grounds, imagine the lives of the pioneers and the Native American tribes who once roamed these lands, their stories intricately woven into the fabric of Major County’s history.
