Chelsea Oklahoma is a Route 66 Gem

Hey there, road trippers and history buffs! Big Mike here, your personal guide to the heart and soul of Route 66. Today, we’re cruising into Chelsea, Oklahoma, a charming town steeped in Route 66 history and brimming with stories just waiting to be told. Chelsea, nestled in Rogers County, sits at the crossroads of State Highways 28 and the Mother Road itself, nineteen miles northeast of Claremore and a scenic forty-seven miles northeast of Tulsa. This isn’t just a pit stop; it’s a journey back in time.

(Chelsea’s Railroad Roots)

Our story begins in 1881, with the arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, later known as the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway. Chelsea owes its existence to this iron horse, springing up as a vital stop along the line. The town’s name has a touch of international flair, bestowed by Charles Peach, a London native and railroad employee, who named it after a district in his home city. Imagine the bustling depot, the steam engines chugging in, and the birth of a community fueled by the railroad’s energy.

(Chelsea on Route 66: A Highway Haven)

Fast forward to the roaring twenties, and Route 66 emerges, transforming Chelsea Oklahoma into a key player on America’s Main Street and is a real Route 66 Gem. This small town became a haven for travelers seeking adventure, a place to rest weary wheels, and a vibrant hub of roadside culture. Today, with over 2,000 residents, Chelsea proudly preserves its Route 66 heritage, welcoming travelers from around the globe who are eager to experience the magic of the Mother Road.

(Engineering Marvels: Bridges and Underpasses)

Chelsea Oklahoma boasts not one, but two remarkable engineering feats from the Route 66 era. First, we have the historic Pryor Creek Bridge. Built in 1926, this “Modified Pratt Through Truss” bridge carried Route 66 traffic until 1932, a testament to the ingenuity of early highway construction. Its 123-foot span and 19-foot width are a reminder of a time when bridges were built with both strength and artistry. This impressive structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, is a must-see for any engineering enthusiast or history buff.

Then, there’s the intriguing Chelsea Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass. Picture this: Route 66 is a bustling four-lane highway, teeming with traffic. To ensure the safety of local pedestrians, the community built a tunnel, a hidden passage beneath the asphalt. Today, this unique underpass, located at Walnut Street and West 6th Street, offers a glimpse into the past, a tangible connection to the days when Route 66 was at its peak. “Get your kicks under Route 66!” How’s that for a slogan?

(Neon Dreams: The Chelsea Motel)

No Route 66 town is complete without its classic motels, and Chelsea is home to a true gem: the Chelsea Motel. Built around 1936, this simple stucco structure at the intersection of North Walnut Street (Historic Route 66) and East First Street, once beckoned travelers with its grand, eye-catching neon sign. Imagine the glow of that sign, a beacon in the night, promising rest and respite to weary travelers. The motel, with its six units and adjacent office/owner’s residence, embodies the quintessential roadside motel experience. Although now privately owned and used for storage, the Chelsea Motel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, stands as a silent sentinel, a reminder of the golden age of Route 66. While you can’t stay there anymore, it’s definitely worth a drive-by for a photo op and a moment of reflection on the travelers who once called it home.

Another Route 66 gem or close by is Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, a whimsical roadside attraction just off Route 66 near Foyil, Oklahoma, is a testament to one man’s vision and dedication. If you’re exploring Route 66 in the Chelsea area, it’s well worth the short drive to Foyil to experience this unique folk art environment. Ed Galloway, a retired oil worker, spent over two decades creating this park. The centerpiece is a towering, 90-foot concrete totem pole adorned with vibrant, hand-sculpted figures depicting Native American imagery, animals, and whimsical characters. Surrounding the totem pole are numerous other concrete sculptures, including a picnic table, a bird bath, and smaller totem poles, all reflecting Galloway’s distinctive style. Beyond the artistry, the park offers a glimpse into Galloway’s personal story, a tale of perseverance and creativity. Today, Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park stands as a beloved Route 66 landmark, a quirky and captivating reminder of the roadside attractions that make the Mother Road so special.

(Chelsea Today: A Route 66 Destination)

Chelsea, Oklahoma, may be a small town, but it’s big on Route 66 charm. From its railroad beginnings to its heyday as a Route 66 stop, Chelsea’s history is etched into its buildings, its bridges, and its very spirit. So, next time you’re cruising the Mother Road, be sure to make a stop in Chelsea Oklahoma. Explore the historic bridge, walk through the underpass, admire the Chelsea Motel, and soak in the atmosphere of a town that has truly embraced its Route 66 legacy. This is Big Mike, signing off, reminding you to keep those wheels turning and those cameras clicking! Until next time, happy trails!

Route 66 Attractions in Chelsea, Oklahoma

1. Pryor Creek Bridge This 123-foot, steel-truss bridge was part of the original Route 66 alignment Chelsea, OK 74016
2. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park 21310 East Hwy 28A Chelsea, OK 74016
3. The Chelsea Motel
4. Chelsea Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass