Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, located in the northwestern part of the state, was established in 1907, the year Oklahoma achieved statehood. Named after “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, a prominent state politician and later governor, the county has a unique history rooted in agriculture, oil, and pioneer settlement. Alfalfa County grew out of the open prairie, becoming a community focused on farming, ranching, and later oil production. Over the years, the county faced challenges from the Dust Bowl to economic downturns, yet it remains a resilient community that values its heritage and rural way of life.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Indigenous Lands and Early Settlers
Before European settlers arrived, the land now known as Alfalfa County was home to Native American tribes, particularly the Osage, Wichita, and Comanche. These tribes used the plains for hunting and seasonal migration, relying on the region’s rivers and wildlife. In the early 1800s, the area became part of the Louisiana Purchase and later fell under the jurisdiction of the Indian Territory as the U.S. government relocated Native American tribes to reservations.
Following the Civil War, the government opened parts of western Oklahoma to non-Native settlement, resulting in land rushes and new settlement patterns. The Cherokee Outlet, including the area that would become Alfalfa County, was opened to settlers in 1893. Thousands of settlers arrived in the area, drawn by the promise of free land and new opportunities, marking the beginning of significant changes to the landscape and way of life in what would become Alfalfa County.
The Cherokee Outlet and County Formation (1907)
The opening of the Cherokee Outlet, or Cherokee Strip, in 1893 was a defining moment for the region. The Outlet spanned across northern Oklahoma and served as a cattle corridor for ranchers driving herds from Texas to Kansas. In September 1893, more than 100,000 settlers participated in one of the largest land rushes in American history, hoping to claim one of the 42,000 plots of land available.
The land rush transformed the area as homesteaders established farms, ranches, and small towns. Initially, the area was part of Woods County in the Oklahoma Territory, but in 1907, upon Oklahoma’s admission to statehood, the territory was subdivided, and Alfalfa County was officially formed. Named after William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, a leading figure in Oklahoma politics, the county seat was established in Cherokee, a growing town central to the area’s economic and political life.
Agriculture and the Early Economy
Agriculture became the backbone of Alfalfa County’s economy, with early settlers focusing on wheat and alfalfa as staple crops. The county’s fertile soil and open plains provided ideal conditions for farming, and the railroad connected local produce to broader markets. Small communities such as Helena, Carmen, and Burlington emerged as agricultural hubs, supporting farmers with supplies, grain elevators, and rail connections.
Ranching was also significant, with cattle drives and local herds contributing to the county’s agricultural economy. The communities that developed around farming and ranching brought churches, schools, and other amenities, fostering a close-knit, rural society. Although the county faced challenges like unpredictable weather and economic downturns, the resilience of its agricultural community was central to its identity and growth.
The Oil Boom and Economic Shifts
In the 1920s, oil was discovered in Alfalfa County, sparking an oil boom that brought new industry and jobs to the region. The oil industry offered an alternative to agriculture and provided economic diversification, with companies establishing drilling operations and processing facilities. Towns like Cherokee experienced growth as workers, businesses, and investors arrived to capitalize on the oil boom. The wealth generated by the oil industry helped improve infrastructure, including roads, schools, and public buildings.
However, the oil industry was also marked by fluctuations, with periods of boom followed by downturns. The county’s economy became a mix of agriculture and oil, which helped sustain it through difficult times, including the Great Depression. Despite the challenges posed by market fluctuations, oil continued to be a valuable resource for Alfalfa County, contributing to local employment and revenue.
The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression
The 1930s brought difficult years for Alfalfa County, as the Dust Bowl and Great Depression hit the region hard. Severe drought and poor farming practices led to massive dust storms, crop failures, and economic hardship. Many farmers were forced to leave their land, and those who stayed faced financial challenges and difficult living conditions. The Dust Bowl devastated much of the Great Plains, and Alfalfa County was no exception, with agricultural production plummeting and local businesses struggling.
Federal New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided some relief by offering jobs, building infrastructure, and encouraging soil conservation. The Dust Bowl era left a lasting impact on Alfalfa County, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices and federal support for rural communities.
Post-War Prosperity and Modern Development
Following World War II, Alfalfa County, like much of rural America, experienced a period of growth and modernization. Advances in agricultural technology allowed farmers to improve productivity, and rural electrification brought new conveniences to the county’s communities. The oil industry also experienced renewed interest, with improved drilling technology and the discovery of new reserves.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Alfalfa County focused on building infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and community centers, to serve its residents better. The county has maintained its agricultural heritage, with wheat and cattle ranching remaining essential to its economy. Additionally, the region’s oil and natural gas production continue to provide economic support, helping Alfalfa County weather the challenges of rural development.
Historical Sites in Alfalfa County
1. Sod House Museum
Overview: The Sod House Museum in nearby Aline, Oklahoma, preserves one of the last remaining original sod houses built by settlers in the Cherokee Strip. The sod house, constructed by Marshal McCully in 1894, provides a glimpse into the life of early settlers and the challenges they faced on the prairie. The museum includes exhibits on pioneer life, tools, and artifacts, offering a rich history of the homesteaders who settled in Alfalfa County.
Location: 4628 State Hwy 8, Aline, OK
Ticket Price: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, free for children under 6.
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.
2. Cherokee Strip Museum
Overview: The Cherokee Strip Museum in Alfalfa County’s county seat, Cherokee, is dedicated to preserving the history of the Cherokee Outlet land rush and the pioneers who settled the area. The museum features exhibits on the land rush, Native American artifacts, and life in early Oklahoma. It provides insights into the cultural and social changes that shaped Alfalfa County.
Location: 115 S Grand Ave., Cherokee, OK
Ticket Price: Free entry; donations encouraged.
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.
3. Great Salt Plains State Park
Overview: Just east of Alfalfa County, Great Salt Plains State Park is a unique natural attraction with salt flats that originated from an ancient ocean. Visitors can dig for hourglass-shaped selenite crystals unique to the area and explore the park’s hiking trails, fishing areas, and bird-watching spots. The salt flats offer a glimpse into Oklahoma’s geological history and are a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Location: 23280 S Spillway Dr., Jet, OK
Ticket Price: Free entry; selenite crystal digging permits are free as well.
Parking Information: Ample parking available on-site.
4. Carmen IOOF Home
Overview: The Carmen IOOF Home is a historic building originally established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as a retirement home and orphanage in the early 20th century. The building’s architecture and history make it a notable landmark in Alfalfa County. Although no longer in use as an orphanage, the building remains an example of early community support and charity efforts in rural Oklahoma.
Location: 301 E Main St., Carmen, OK
Ticket Price: Free to view from the outside.
Parking Information: Street parking available nearby.
5. Northwestern Oklahoma Railroad Depot Museum
Overview: Located in nearby Enid, this railroad museum covers the impact of the railroads on Alfalfa County and the broader northwestern Oklahoma region. The museum houses vintage train cars, memorabilia, and exhibits on how the railroads influenced settlement, trade, and development in the area. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in transportation history.
Location: 702 N Washington St., Enid, OK
Ticket Price: $5 for adults, $3 for children.
Parking Information: Free on-site parking available.
6. Helena Industrial School for Girls Historic Site
Overview: The Helena Industrial School for Girls, established in 1910, was one of the first juvenile facilities for young women in Oklahoma. The site offers a view into the history of juvenile justice and education in Oklahoma, as well as the changing social attitudes of the time. While no longer in operation, the building stands as a reminder of early 20th-century reforms.
Location: 1200 E County Rd., Helena, OK
Ticket Price: Not open to the public, but can be viewed from outside.
Parking Information: Limited street parking nearby.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Alfalfa County is located in northwestern Oklahoma and is characterized by flat prairie lands, rolling hills, and the Great Salt Plains to the east. The county’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is moderate, supporting both agriculture and natural prairie ecosystems. The wide-open landscapes and fertile soil are well-suited to farming and cattle ranching, which remain essential to the county’s economy.
Quick Facts
- Year Founded: 1907
- County Seat: Cherokee
- Population: Approximately 5,600
- Population Density: About 3.5 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Cherokee, Helena, Carmen, Burlington
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 64, U.S. Route 60, State Highway 8, State Highway 11
- Adjacent Counties: Woods County (west), Grant County (north), Major County (south), Garfield County (southeast)