As you journey down historic Route 66 through Chelsea, Oklahoma, you’re passing a site that marks a significant moment in the history of oil exploration in the United States. This is the location of the first oil well in Oklahoma, drilled back in 1890 by the United States Oil and Gas Company. Though the well was not a major producer, yielding only a half barrel of good-quality crude per day, it signified the beginning of Oklahoma’s oil industry—a pivotal moment that would eventually shape the state’s economic and cultural landscape.
Chelsea’s story begins in 1881, when it was established as a stop on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. Named after a district in London by railroad official Charles Peach, Chelsea quickly developed into a thriving community. By 1889, it was incorporated under Cherokee Nation law, and soon after, it became the site of the first bank in Indian Territory, the Bank of Chelsea, which began operations in 1896.
The early 1900s were a time of growth and prosperity for Chelsea, with the Chelsea-Alluwe Oil Field emerging as a significant oil-producing site from 1910 until the early 1920s. Despite its eventual decline, the field played a crucial role in the town’s economic development and helped establish Oklahoma as a key player in the national oil industry.
Notable figures have passed through Chelsea, including the legendary cowboy and humorist Will Rogers, who attended a subscription school on Cherokee land in the area. Additionally, the famous singing cowboy Gene Autry once worked as a telegraph operator at the Chelsea railroad depot, where he met Will Rogers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music.
As you explore Chelsea, imagine the bustling streets of the early 20th century, filled with the promise of oil wealth and the vibrant community that grew around it. While the oil boom may have faded, Chelsea’s rich history and its role in the broader narrative of Oklahoma’s development remain very much alive.
