Claremore in Rogers County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Belvidere Mansion

“A Beautiful View”

— Built in 1907 —

Belvidere Mansion Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 7, 2025

1. Belvidere Mansion Marker

Inscription. The Belvidere Mansion is the beautiful family home built by entrepreneur, banker, and businessman John M. Bayless for his wife Mary and their children. After Mrs. Bayless moved from the home in 1919, it was used as a hospital and then a hotel for a short time. In the mid-1920s, the Bell family purchased Belvidere and turned it into an apartment house. When the home stood vacant during the late 1980s, this iconic Claremore treasure was left to decay. The Rogers County Historical Society rescued the Belvidere in 1991 and began the costly restoration of the three-story, 9,000 sq. ft., four-towered, brick mansion to share with the community.

You may visit the historic Belvidere Mansion for a self-guided tour during business hours, and you can scan the QR code with your smart phone to take the virtual tour available on the RCHS website at rchs1.org/belvidere-mansion.

Erected by Rogers County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 36° 18.658′ N,

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95° 36.602′ W. Marker is in Claremore, Oklahoma, in Rogers County. It is on North Chickasaw Avenue near West 4th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 N Chickasaw Ave, Claremore OK 74017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation,

in Northeast Oklahoma — Green Country,

and in Greater Tulsa.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Ozarks,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Downtown Claremore Historic District (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); 410 W. Will Rogers (approx. ¼ mile away); Eastern University Preparatory School (approx. 0.3 miles away); US Army M-41 "Walker Bulldog" Light Tank (approx. 0.4

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2025

2. Belvidere Mansion Marker

Marker is on the fence to the left of the sidewalk.

miles away); Main Street of America (approx. 0.4 miles away); Howdy Folks (approx. 1.4 miles away); Will Rogers (approx. 1.4 miles away); Will Rogers Redbud (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claremore.

Also see . . .
1. Belvidere Mansion. The “belle” of Rogers County, the Belvidere Mansion stands proudly on the corner of 4th and Chickasaw in historic Claremore, Oklahoma. Breaking ground in March and completed by Christmas of 1907, the mansion was created by entrepreneur, businessman, and financier John Melville Bayless for his wife, Mary Melissa, and their children - Francis, Guy, Earle, Bland, Ross, Bourke and Wayne. (Rogers County Historical Society) (Submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Visiting Haunts at Belvidere Mansion (video). Join Jeff Provine as he explores the historic Belvidere Mansion in Claremore, Oklahoma! This stunning 1907 mansion has a rich history, from a family home to a hospital, and even apartments. Now beautifully restored, the Belvidere Mansion is a local treasure. But is it also haunted? (Spielvenure, uploaded Aug. 20, 2024)

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(Submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. John Melville Bayless: Banker, Builder, and Businessman. Banker, builder, and businessman, John Melville Bayless came from Cassville, Missouri, and made significant contributions to the “up building” of Claremore, Indian Territory, before Oklahoma statehood in 1907. He most notably built the Sequoyah Hotel (1901/1902) which housed his family’s Bank of Claremore and the Windsor Opera House (1902). He planned and began building the Claremore Athletic Club (finished 1908) and his family’s home the Belvidere Mansion (built 1907). (Christa Rice, Explore Claremore History blog, July 16, 2022) (Submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

4. The Belvidere (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the property, which was listed in 1982. (Prepared by Claudia A. Craig; via State Historic Preservation Office of Oklahoma) (Submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.