From his birthplace home in Oklahoma to his Santa Monica Ranch in Pacific Palisades, California, the turn-of-the-century philosopher, Will Rogers, left a trail of humor that literary tourists delight in tracing nearly 100 years later.
Rogers used cowboy roping tricks in his comedic performances and eventually started calling himself a "Poet Lariat." He entertained audiences nationwide with his satirical look at life and lifestyles in the early 1900s. He was an accomplished comedian, philosopher, movie star, newspaper columnist, and author.
In 1922, at the age of 43, Will Rogers began his writing career as a journalist for The New York Times, writing a daily column, "Will Rogers Says." His column soon became syndicated and was printed daily in newspapers across the nation. He wrote about the things that he spoke about--politics, the economy, government, and everyday life. It is said that he wrote over 2,800 columns and spoke to 40 million Americans a week. During his lifetime, he wrote six books of satirical commentary.
Will Rogers Dog Iron Ranch and Birthplace Home
Route 2, Box 4800
Oologah, OK 74053
Phone: (918) 275-4201
Open: Yearlong, Sunday - Saturday, dawn to dusk
Admission: Donations
Perhaps America's most quoted philosopher, Will Rogers, was born in this attractive Greek Revival-style house in 1879, four years after the house was built. The house was constructed on Indian Territory for Rogers' father, Clem, who was, at the time, a Cherokee senator.
Rogers spent his first 11 years in this house known as "The White House on the Verdigris." He and his father moved to Claremore, Oklahoma, after Will's mother's death in 1890.
The two-story frame house was made of native oak, hickory, and walnut. It has four bedrooms, a parlor, kitchen, and dining room. There was plenty of room for Rogers' father to hold court sessions and conduct business meetings. The house was also used as a gathering place for Cherokee funerals, weddings, dances, and parties. Literary tourists will especially enjoy seeing Clem Rogers' office--also known as the room where Will was born.
There is much to be learned on this literary tour, from Indian culture; lifestyle of the 19th century; and the early, formative years Will Rogers.
The Will Rogers Memorial
1720 West Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74018
Phone: 1-800-324-9455
Open: Yearlong, Sunday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Donation
This 16,652 square-foot building should have been Will Rogers retirement home instead of a museum. He bought the land in 1911 with the thought of retiring on the scenic 20-acres about 12 miles from his birthplace in Oologah, Oklahoma. However, Rogers died tragically, at the age of 56, in an airplane crash.
Rogers used cowboy roping tricks in his comedic performances and eventually started calling himself a "Poet Lariat." He entertained audiences nationwide with his satirical look at life and lifestyles in the early 1900s. He was an accomplished comedian, philosopher, movie star, newspaper columnist, and author.
In 1922, at the age of 43, Will Rogers began his writing career as a journalist for The New York Times, writing a daily column, "Will Rogers Says." His column soon became syndicated and was printed daily in newspapers across the nation. He wrote about the things that he spoke about--politics, the economy, government, and everyday life. It is said that he wrote over 2,800 columns and spoke to 40 million Americans a week. During his lifetime, he wrote six books of satirical commentary.
Will Rogers Dog Iron Ranch and Birthplace Home
Route 2, Box 4800
Oologah, OK 74053
Phone: (918) 275-4201
Open: Yearlong, Sunday - Saturday, dawn to dusk
Admission: Donations
Perhaps America's most quoted philosopher, Will Rogers, was born in this attractive Greek Revival-style house in 1879, four years after the house was built. The house was constructed on Indian Territory for Rogers' father, Clem, who was, at the time, a Cherokee senator.
Rogers spent his first 11 years in this house known as "The White House on the Verdigris." He and his father moved to Claremore, Oklahoma, after Will's mother's death in 1890.
The two-story frame house was made of native oak, hickory, and walnut. It has four bedrooms, a parlor, kitchen, and dining room. There was plenty of room for Rogers' father to hold court sessions and conduct business meetings. The house was also used as a gathering place for Cherokee funerals, weddings, dances, and parties. Literary tourists will especially enjoy seeing Clem Rogers' office--also known as the room where Will was born.
There is much to be learned on this literary tour, from Indian culture; lifestyle of the 19th century; and the early, formative years Will Rogers.
The Will Rogers Memorial
1720 West Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74018
Phone: 1-800-324-9455
Open: Yearlong, Sunday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Donation
This 16,652 square-foot building should have been Will Rogers retirement home instead of a museum. He bought the land in 1911 with the thought of retiring on the scenic 20-acres about 12 miles from his birthplace in Oologah, Oklahoma. However, Rogers died tragically, at the age of 56, in an airplane crash.
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