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Destination Oklahoma
Freedom
Freedom is located in western Woods county, about 35 miles northeast of Woodward. Settled in the late 1800's, it was named Freedom with the opening of the post office in 1901 and incorporated as a town in 1925, It is home to the Alabaster Caverns State Park, the Burnham archeological dig, the Cimarron Cowboys Monument and the Salt Haulers Grave. Freedom is in Cimarron county in the Oklahoma panhandle which was part of the epicenter of the dust bowl that decimated the Great Plains from 1930-1936. Today, The entire area thrives from industries in agriculture, livestock, education and tourism.
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Did you know?
"Okies" is a term that was given to all the migrant peoples of the dust bowl period of the 1930's, not just the ones from Oklahoma. The Great Migration, some 2.5 million people, left farms and homesteads in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas.
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Activities, Lodging and Dining
Alabaster Caverns State Park is the largest natural gypsum cave open to the public in the world. Alabaster colors in the caverns range from white to pink even a rare black strain
that is one of only three in the world including Italy and China. There is a wide range of amenities available including picnic areas, concessions, playgrounds and complete camping and RV areas and facilities. Guided tours are given daily and free caving is available. Visit the TravelOK website for more information.
The Burnham Archeological Dig located approximately 12 miles northwest of Freedom turned the archeological world on its head according to Dr. Kay Decker, Department Chair and Professor of Sociology at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and board President of Preservation Oklahoma. The dig revealed artifacts suggesting humans had inhabited the area thousands of years early than previously thought. Artifacts from the dig can be viewed at the Freedom Museum located on Main street. Antique saddles, a large barbed wire collection, and a fabulous collection of pioneer memorabilia are also on display Dr. Decker says. The Museum is open daily except Monday from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Call 580-621-3583 for more information.
The Salt Haulers grave is a must see for anyone interested in stories of the old west. Located 13 miles north of Freedom, it is a monument to the last known engagement between the U.S. Cavalry and American Indians in pre-statehood Oklahoma. The story of the battle of Turkey Springs and Red Hills, also known as the Cheyenne Outbreak or Dull Knife's Raid, can be read here. If your "Wild West" interests are a little more casual, strolling along Freedom's main street amidst Old West themed store fronts or lodging at the Cedar Canyon Lodge at the entrance to Alabaster Caverns State Park where you can dine at the Stables Cantina might be just for you. Visit their website for more information and to make reservations. For a bit more excitement, be sure to attend the Old Cowhands Reunion and PRCA Rodeo held the third week of August each year.
There's lots more to do and see in Freedom and the surrounding area of Woods County Oklahoma. For more information contact the Freedom Chamber of Commerce at 580-621-3276. Or visit www.freedomokla.com and www.visitwoodscounty.com
Photos courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at www.travelok.com
and the Freedom Chamber of Commerce, www.freedom.com.
Special thanks to Dr. Kay Decker for providing information and inspiration for this story.
Freedom is located in western Woods county, about 35 miles northeast of Woodward. Settled in the late 1800's, it was named Freedom with the opening of the post office in 1901 and incorporated as a town in 1925, It is home to the Alabaster Caverns State Park, the Burnham archeological dig, the Cimarron Cowboys Monument and the Salt Haulers Grave. Freedom is in Cimarron county in the Oklahoma panhandle which was part of the epicenter of the dust bowl that decimated the Great Plains from 1930-1936. Today, The entire area thrives from industries in agriculture, livestock, education and tourism.
Did you know?
"Okies" is a term that was given to all the migrant peoples of the dust bowl period of the 1930's, not just the ones from Oklahoma. The Great Migration, some 2.5 million people, left farms and homesteads in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas.
Activities, Lodging and Dining
Alabaster Caverns State Park is the largest natural gypsum cave open to the public in the world. Alabaster colors in the caverns range from white to pink even a rare black strain
that is one of only three in the world including Italy and China. There is a wide range of amenities available including picnic areas, concessions, playgrounds and complete camping and RV areas and facilities. Guided tours are given daily and free caving is available. Visit the TravelOK website for more information. The Burnham Archeological Dig located approximately 12 miles northwest of Freedom turned the archeological world on its head according to Dr. Kay Decker, Department Chair and Professor of Sociology at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and board President of Preservation Oklahoma. The dig revealed artifacts suggesting humans had inhabited the area thousands of years early than previously thought. Artifacts from the dig can be viewed at the Freedom Museum located on Main street. Antique saddles, a large barbed wire collection, and a fabulous collection of pioneer memorabilia are also on display Dr. Decker says. The Museum is open daily except Monday from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Call 580-621-3583 for more information.
The Salt Haulers grave is a must see for anyone interested in stories of the old west. Located 13 miles north of Freedom, it is a monument to the last known engagement between the U.S. Cavalry and American Indians in pre-statehood Oklahoma. The story of the battle of Turkey Springs and Red Hills, also known as the Cheyenne Outbreak or Dull Knife's Raid, can be read here. If your "Wild West" interests are a little more casual, strolling along Freedom's main street amidst Old West themed store fronts or lodging at the Cedar Canyon Lodge at the entrance to Alabaster Caverns State Park where you can dine at the Stables Cantina might be just for you. Visit their website for more information and to make reservations. For a bit more excitement, be sure to attend the Old Cowhands Reunion and PRCA Rodeo held the third week of August each year. There's lots more to do and see in Freedom and the surrounding area of Woods County Oklahoma. For more information contact the Freedom Chamber of Commerce at 580-621-3276. Or visit www.freedomokla.com and www.visitwoodscounty.com
Photos courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at www.travelok.com
and the Freedom Chamber of Commerce, www.freedom.com.
Special thanks to Dr. Kay Decker for providing information and inspiration for this story.