Okmulgee takes its name from a Muscogee (Creek) word meaning “bubbling water.” The name originated in what is now Macon, Georgia—homeland to the Muscogee people before their forced removal along the Trail of Tears. After resettling in Indian Territory, the Muscogee Nation established their new capital in 1868, selecting the heart of what would become Okmulgee.

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That same year, the Creek Nation General Council came together to restore order and governance in their new territory, constructing the original Council House. After a fire in 1878, a new sandstone structure was built at the center of the town square—still standing today at 6th and Morton as a powerful symbol of Muscogee resilience and cultural leadership.

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The arrival of the St. Louis, Oklahoma and Southern Railway in 1900 launched Okmulgee into a period of rapid growth. Investors and settlers arrived, neighborhoods were platted, and utilities like water, gas, electricity, and telephone service came online. By the time Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Okmulgee had become the county seat and home to more than 2,300 people. A new county courthouse followed in 1916.

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Early prosperity was fueled by agriculture, coal mining, and manufacturing, with factories producing everything from glass to machinery. When oil was discovered in nearby fields, Okmulgee transformed into a booming oil town. By the early 1920s, five local refineries were active and streetcars connected a thriving downtown to grand homes, ballrooms, and business offices. The population soared to around 35,000 before the Great Depression brought an end to the boom.

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Today, Okmulgee is a proud community with deep roots and forward momentum. As the seat of Okmulgee County and the capital of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the city remains a hub of cultural significance and civic leadership. The population may have changed—now around 12,300 in the city and nearly 39,000 in the county—but Okmulgee continues to punch above its weight.

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With a strong manufacturing base—nine plants, including five that export globally—Okmulgee blends historic legacy with modern industry.

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At the heart of it all is the 1878 Creek Nation Council House. After years of federal control, the building was repurchased by the Muscogee Nation in 2010 and fully restored in 2017 with support from the National Council and historic preservation tax credits. Visitors today can walk through a space that embodies centuries of perseverance and self-determination—offering a tangible connection to a living, evolving story.  ​​​​​

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