History of Henryetta

Henryetta began when Hugh Henry arrived in the area in 1885 and discovered coal in the creeks.

The land where he pitched his tent belonged to the Creek Nation, one of the Five Civilized Tribes. Since he was part Creek, he established his ranching operations using the coal he found to fire the forge of his smithy.

Those coal deposits came to the attention of businessmen back east, and soon the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway, the Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad, and the Okmulgee Northern Railway opened several active mines throughout the area.

A settlement called Furrs started next to the mining operations. Then, on August 28, 1900, a post office opened with the official name of Henryetta. The name came from resident Henry G. Beard and his wife, Etta.

In 1901 a city government was formed, and Olin Meacham served as the first Mayor. Coal, oil, natural gas, and agricultural products provided Henryetta's economic base. By 1909, a total of 14 coal mines produced 65,000 tons each month, with a reported $74,000 payroll flowing back into the town's economy.

In 1931 Henryetta claimed 23 industrial plants that included 12 coal mines, a broom factory, brick factories, and a bottling plant. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Pittsburgh Plate Glass facility—the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi River—employed 900 people. At the same time, the Eagle-Picher Company utilized more than 700 workers to produce three-fourths of the free world’s supply of the rare metal germanium.

Rodeo and famous rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are deeply rooted in Henryetta’s history. In fact, when you mention Henryetta, Oklahoma at the largest rodeos in the nation—such as Cheyenne, Wyoming’s Frontier Days—fans immediately begin to tell you about the rodeo heroes from the Henryetta area.

Henryetta Quasquicentennial – 125 Year Milestone

Henryetta celebrated 125 years in 2025. Local historian Bruce Jones has curated nearly four hours of video highlights chronicling Henryetta’s growth, spirit, and defining moments across the past 125 years. This unique collection ensures our heritage is preserved for generations to come.

This special collection can be purchased at the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce office for $30.

Each purchase includes:

• A limited‑edition commemorative keychain (while supplies last)
• Exclusive bonus footage not available elsewhere