Claremore History

The principal chief of the Arkansas Band of Osage, Claremore, was formally known as Gra-mo’n (Arrow Going Home) and is believed to have been the son of Gra moie (Moving Hawk) or Gra-to-moh-se (Iron Hawk), a hereditary Osage chief. French and Spanish officials in Louisiana knew Gra moie by several names, including Glamore, Clarmont, and Clermont; Americans called his son “Claremore.” Gra moie died circa 1795.

Chief Claremore was young when his right to succeed his father was usurped. He subsequently moved from the Osage villages in Missouri to the Three Forks vicinity of present Oklahoma. There many Osage had relocated under Cashesegra (Makes Tracks Far Away). Because they lived near the Arkansas River, these Osage were designated the Arkansas Band. Claremore was more influential than Cashesegra and became their leader.

Claremore’s village was located along the Verdigris River northwest of present Claremore in Rogers County. Western Cherokees and their allies destroyed the settlement during the so-called Battle of Claremore Mound in autumn 1817. Claremore, a noted warrior, and his braves were absent when the attack occurred. The settlement reportedly consisted of three hundred lodges and three thousand inhabitants circa 1820. Because of his village, Claremore was also called To-Wo’n Ga-Xe (Town Maker).

IMELINE OF THE BIRTH OF CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA

1842

Elija Hicks established a trading post at the old Osage village site. 1856

---i--► Clement V. Rogers, father of Will Rogers, settles in the area. 1874

Settlement moved east to meet the Frisco ---i--► Railroad where pioneers were settling. 1874

A post office established under the name ---i--► "Claremore" instead of Clermont.

Town of Claremore incorporated under Cherokee law. 1883

Frisco Railroad extended its line. Clermont Village is moved once more. 1882

1893

Claremore had a general store, blacksmith, brick plant, and a doctor. 1893

Six daily trains ran through Claremore on __ ..,.., two railroads. 1880

Village of Clermont is established by John Bullette, a Delaware Native American.

1897

Claremore's first bank, the First National Bank, ., was opened. 1879

Will Rogers is born on a ranch near town.

1898

First City Council meeting. Establish rules al')d regulations for the town of Claremore.

1820 and accepted a treaty with the United States in 1825. Under that agreement the Arkansas Band of Osage promised to rejoin their tribe in Kansas, which they did in 1839. Claremore died at his village in May 1828. The town of Claremore was named in his honor. -Jon D. May (Oklahoma Historical Society) Global manufacturers, unique small businesses, and innovative entrepreneurs have all made their way to Claremore. With its central location, short commute times, low cost-of-living, and businessfriendly policies, Northeast Oklahoma provides ample opportunities for its companies to grow and thrive. Claremore is home to many homegrown businesses that are transforming and altering the course of their given industry sectors. Together, the City of Claremore, Rogers County, and numerous partner organizations collaborate to support local companies by offering resources, incentives, award-winning talent development programs, small business support, and much more. -City of Claremore