Near Wyandotte in Ottawa County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Welcome to Grand Lake State Park's Twin Bridges Area
Photographed By James Hulse, October 28, 2021
1. Welcome to Grand Lake State Park's Twin Bridges Area Marker
This state park area is named for the two bridges that cross the Neosho (Grand) and Spring Rivers. In another sense, like a timeless bridge, this place spans time to connect us with its special past. Before Grand Lake and Twin Bridges State Park were built, this hill was part of the Farley family's dairy farm. In 1919, Jesse Farley built two houses on this hill. The first was his residence and the second was for his son, Claude. Jesse's house once served as the park manager's residence, while Claude's house, for many years, served as the park office. This hilltop is known as Farley Hill.
Tragically, Jesse Farley drowned on April 16, 1927, in flood waters of the Neosho River. While on horseback, he was trying to help motorists who were blocked by the flood.
Following his father's death, Claude continued to operate the dairy until he sold the farm to GRDA during the construction of the lake. Grand Lake was to have two parks: one at the north end of the lake - Twin Bridges State Park; and another park at the south end of Grand Lake - Cherokee State Park.
Twin Bridges State Park's current park maintenance
this page online
At one time the Farley's had a 35 acre strawberry patch on this hilltop. The two pear trees that are west of the park ranger's residence were planted by the Farley's in 1921.
Erected by Oklahoma State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1927.
Location. 36° 48.289′ N, 94° 45.471′ W. Marker is near Wyandotte, Oklahoma, in Ottawa County. Marker is on State Highway 137, half a mile north of U.S. 60, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located east of the highway next to the park office of the Twin Bridges at Grand Lake State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14820 OK-137, Miami OK 74354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Grand Lake Region: An Important Native American Heritage (here, next to this marker); Henry C. Holderman (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wyandot Tribe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Modoc Church (approx. 6.7 miles away); James Long (approx. 6.7 miles away); Modoc Church and Cemetery (approx.
Photographed By James Hulse, October 28, 2021
2. The marker in front of the park office
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
