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

First Drug Store in Oklahoma

Photographed by James Hulse, September 15, 2025

1. First Drug Store in Oklahoma Marker

Inscription. Charles "C.P." Wickmiller first came to Oklahoma as the photographer for Captain David L. Payne on his 1883 "Boomer" expedition, then returned to stake his claim in the April 22, 1889 Land Run. That afternoon he set up his pharmacy supplies in a tent and is credited with opening the first drug store in Oklahoma.

Called the "Pioneer Drug Store," Wickmiller had to sit on his tent for three days to keep his fledgling business from blowing away in the merciless prairie winds, all the while dispensing pharmaceutical supplies to waiting customers.

On this site "Doc" Wickmiller's Drug Store became the first 2-story building in Kingfisher and was rebuilt as a brick structure in 1896 after a fire.

Erected by Oklahoma Centennial 07 and Historic Kingfisher Trails.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1889.

Location. 35° 51.765′ N, 97° 55.971′ W. Marker is in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, in Kingfisher County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (U.S. 81) and W Admire Ave, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The marker is located along the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 N Main St, Kingfisher OK 73750, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically 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,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and Cherokee Outlet.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker: T.G. & Y. (here, next to this marker); Pappe Building Grand Opera House (within shouting distance of this marker); "Apostle Paul Sykes" / Lt. Keith Lowry (within shouting distance of this marker); Bracken Building Downtown Hospital (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peoples National Bank (about 400 feet away); Kingfisher (about 500 feet away); Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (about 600 feet away); Lame Bull of the Cheyenne (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingfisher.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 15, 2025

2. First Drug Store in Oklahoma Marker

The view of the marker along the sidewalk (right side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 15, 2025

3. The view of the marker along the sidewalk (right side)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.