"Hanging on to its Heritage" Purcell by mrclay2000

Purcell Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 11 photos

The Birthplace of Oklahoma

Purcell is one of many Oklahoma towns strongly devoted to preserving its original Main Street while it attempts to live and thrive under the shadow of Norman and Oklahoma City just minutes away on I-35. Its town seal features the railroad and oil derricks, which truthfully distinguishes it from no other town in the state. In fact its name comes from an early railroad director in this district. Its town website describes its location on the banks of the South Canadian River -- there is no such thing (many Oklahomans remain unaware that there is only a Canadian River and a North Canadian River). You'll not find "South" Canadian River on any atlas or map.

Home to a few thousand residents but nothing famous statewide, the town proclaims itself the birthplace of Oklahoma, since in 1893 delegates met here to decide to petition Congress for statehood. The fact that this did not happen until 1907 does not strengthen the claim, but if you're on I-35 between Dallas and Oklahoma City, the historic Main Street (part of the National Main Street Program) is worth a few minutes of your time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Historic Main Street in good state of preservation
Cons:Little extraordinary about this ordinary county seat
In a nutshell:Takes only a few minutes for a cursory evaluation

Last visit to Purcell: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Jun 22, 2003
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Reviews (10)

The Evolution of the Past Things to Do (4)

Like many Main Street preservations throughout the country, you can still detect the old despite the modern varnish.... more travel advice

Oklahoma State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City - Purcell

The State's Biggest City - Just up the... Off The Beaten Path (3)

Oklahoma City lies roughly thirty miles north of Purcell. The zoo, the state capitol building, the downtown renovation... more travel advice

As the County Seat, . . . Favorites (2)

As the county seat of McClain County, all county business is transacted at the county courthouse. As the seat of... more travel advice

Butler's Antiques (the former Hotel Love) - Purcell

Hotel Love Things to Do (4)

Originally the Hotel Love and still the building in downtown Purcell, this 1895 structure, now Butler's Antiques, is... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Know the Time

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Comments (3)

acemj Sep 21, 2003 at 1:47 PM Report Abuse

The Butler's Antiques building is especially charming . . . great preservation efforts.
Ivan_Jimenez Jun 25, 2003 at 1:40 AM Report Abuse

Wouldnt you like to live in a place where the Main Street does not have to be preserved as a part of a pre-programmed program but it would remain naturally alive thanks to the natural and willing efforts of its people?.
zrim Jun 23, 2003 at 8:14 AM Report Abuse

Yeah, I'd say Purcell is worth a few minutes time. Sadly, all the theaters are gone or converted.