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

Council Grove

Photographed by James Hulse, September 18, 2025

1. Council Grove Marker

Inscription. This location marks the southeast corner of Council Grove, a three-and-one-half square mile section rich in history. The land was heavily wooded, creating an ideal meeting place for the Muscogee (Creek), Kiowa, and Comanche nations with shady areas abounding with cottonwood and elm trees. Jesse Chisholm, a trader of Scottish and Cherokee descent, opened a trading post in Council Grove in 1858. Chisholm encouraged cattle rancher Montford T. Johnson (Chickasaw) to establish a ranch in the area. Vicey Hermon (or Harmon, Chickasaw) managed the ranch, also known as "Johnson's Grove," which became known as the first permanent settlement in present-day Oklahoma City. In 1874, the federal government established a military reservation within Council Grove to provide wood for the construction of Fort Reno. David Payne established a Boomer camp in Council Grove in 1880. In 1885, William Couch announced his intentions to colonize present-day Oklahoma County near Johnson's ranch, only to be removed by the U.S. cavalry. All of Council Grove except for the military reservation was opened to settlement on April 22, 1889. The Council Grove

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military reservation opened to settlement in December 1899.

Erected by Oklahoma Historical Society.

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

Location. 35° 28.509′ N, 97° 37.125′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. It is on North MacArthur Boulevard 0.1 miles NW 5th St, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located along the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 820 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City OK 73127, 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

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

The view of the Council Grove Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 18, 2025

2. The view of the Council Grove Marker from the street

Baum Building Cupola (approx. 2.7 miles away); Charles Gasham Jones (approx. 2.7 miles away); Columns from Lee-Huckins Hotel (approx. 2.7 miles away); Capitol of Oklahoma (approx. 2.7 miles away); Lion's Head from Terminal Building and Arcade (approx. 2.7 miles away); Gristmill Bed Stone (approx. 2.7 miles away); Lake Overholser Dam (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Civilian Conservation Corps and Oklahoma City Will Rogers Park (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

The view of the Council Grove Marker along the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 18, 2025

3. The view of the Council Grove Marker along the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.