10/18/08

Into the old Wild West

Well we had a fun day out yesterday, touring some of the local landmarks. We could not have asked for better weather, it was in the mid-70's with a light breeze and we never saw a single cloud.

We started our day in Elk City, about 65 miles to the south of us. The National Route 66 Museum is there, as well as a number of other museums on one site.

The Route 66 museum was alot of fun and featured period vehicles, interactive exhibits like the wonderful Pink Cadillac, and some fabulous old bikes.

Including this old 'Indian' motorcycle, which reminded us of the wonderful movie starring Anthony Hopkins, 'The World's Fastest Indian'. The boys also got to play on an original 'Popeye' Pinball machine and I got to admire many period costumes.

The exhibits included a Colonial home featuring a very interesting rodeo room, a Railway exhibit, a Ranch museum, Blacksmiths museum and Pioneer town.

It was all very well done, we loved the stautuary and were really surprised by how much was on the site. This gave our visitors an excellent feel for the history of the area.

We ended up grabbing a quick lunch due to time constraints and then headed to Cheyenne, scene of the historic Battle of the Washita.

This commemorates a black day in American history, when General George Custer attacked a Cheyenne tribal winter camp and many women and children were massacred. He mistakenly thought he was attacking a warrior camp, but they were away hunting.

It happened in a beautiful and very peaceful area beside the Washita River, and this just adds to the whole ambience of the wonderful westen influenced new museum opened this year. The exhibit included a 30 minute documentary and lots of personal accounts. There were many Native Americans visiting at the same time and I am amazed at the wonderfully strong facial features many still retain.

We are surrounded by the history of the Wild West, especially as we live slap-bang in the middle of the area all the Native American tribes were forced to move into as treaties were signed. It is also the area of the Land Runs and so offers alot of historical interest.

Today we are heading into Texas, for the town of Canadian's 'Fall Foliage Festival', which features historic home tours, a craft fair, foliage tours and historical stuff. We will end the day back in our hometown for a Weiner & Marshmallow Roast over wood fires on the creek, with many of our friends.

14 comments:

Winifred said...

Thanks for taking the time to share the lovely photos with us Sarah.

Have a great time.

Snippety Gibbet said...

Sounds like a fun trip. That's a part of the country I've never explored but will have to put on my list.

The massacre story makes me reeeeeeally sad. Can you imagine something like happening?

Tess Kincaid said...

Wow, you are giving your friends the grand tour! Looks like you had a fabulous day for it, too. Enjoy. And thanks for sharing. Fun pix!

Melessa Gregg said...

I used to go to Canadian, TX every year for the 4th of July. I thought I was the only Okie who had ever heard of it.

Anonymous said...

That looks like such fun! Now wouldn't it be cool to tour the US in that Caddie?

Anonymous said...

I loved the pictures. I finally moved over to a new reader & shockingly, there are posts.

Expat mum said...

Great tour. Are you planning or have you been to the Cowboy Hall of Fame? can't remember where it is but it's in OK. Not far from there is the Outlaw cemetary (no joke) where my husband's great, great uncle is buried. The plain headstone reads - Charlie Pearce - Desperado. No lie.

Pam said...

Your friends get to enjoy the best in Okie weather, for sure! I need to take John out to Black Kettle. BUT, I really really really need to know where that Outlaw cemetery is!!! Cowboy hall, been there ... Outlaw cemetery?? MUST GO!

Kay said...

Thank you for taking us on your fun trip as well. This is so much fun. I've just come back from a trip but I can now go with you on yours. Yae!

Daryl said...

What a perfect day ... you look happy and your foot is in a shoe so the toe must be feeling better . yay!

:-Daryl

Janet said...

Sounds like a spiffing day out.

Janet said...

TERRIFIC photos and commentary, Sarah. You're making me a little bit homesick for my home state!

Janet

Linda Jennings said...

What fun! You and the Hubster are excellent hosts!

Mmm said...

The scenery looks wonderful and I love museums like this. Remnds me of Colby, Kansas' high Plains Musuam--one of the best I've ever been to and yet in the middle of nowhere. It was so fantastically rustic and old American West feeling.