Historical Photos of Jefferson Highway
Archive of vintage photographs and images depicting the Jefferson Highway through Oklahoma…
Tourist Camp – Muskogee, Oklahoma
Muskogee’s tourist vamp building and campgrounds were built in 1921 by the local Kiwanis Club. The facility was a model to other such facilities and could accommodate up to 200 cars. Facilities included a reading room, cooking facilities, a dining room and a bathing area. A fee of 25 cents per car was charged for utilizing the camp upon its opening.
Gas Station – Crowder, Oklahoma
Hale’s Filling Station was along the Jefferson Highway route in Crowder, Oklahoma. The station featured Texaco gasoline. It was one of several filling stations in the community that served travelers along the route through Oklahoma.
Cars Lined up on Graham Avenue – Pryor, Oklahoma
Pryor was an important community along the route, and this image shows a group of cars spanning the roadway on Graham Avenue. In the background, one can observe a large flagpole. A giant American flag was on this pole and was a featured attraction in the middle of the street.
Sign Along Route – Muskogee, Oklahoma
This large United State Tires Sign once greeted travelers on the Jefferson Highway as they made their way into Muskogee. The sign was designed to look like an open book and featured information about the city being named for the Muscogee Indian Tribe. United States Tires is known as Uniroyal today.
Tourist Camp – Vinita, Oklahoma
As automobile travel became more prevalent, communities all across the route made special efforts to establish tourist camps for travelers. Vinita’s tourist camp was located to the south of the community and first established in 1921. The camp had space for up to 100 cars and featured electric lights, comfort stations and free fuel when first opened.
Cardin Building – Miami, Oklahoma
Miami’s Cardin Building was completed in 1917 to house the Miami Trust and Savings Bank. It was built at an important intersection in downtown Miami and right on the Jefferson Highway route.
