Texola, Oklahoma (Route 66)

Texola, Oklahoma was officially established as a town in 1901. It was founded as a result of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad (CO&G) extending its tracks through the area, leading to the development of the town. Texola’s early economy was closely tied to the railroad and agriculture, and it later became a notable stop along the historic Route 66.

Route 66 Attractions in Texola, Oklahoma

1.  Tumbleweed Grill and Country Store, also known as Water Hole #2
2. Texola Jail
3. Magnolia Gas Station Texola, Oklahoma. The remains of the Gas Station.
4. Abandoned buildings from the U.S. Highway 66 days are all over town giving the place a feeling of a Ghost Town even though about 40 people live in the area.

Nestled near the Oklahoma-Texas border along Interstate Highway 40, the quaint community of Texola in western Beckham County has a storied past closely intertwined with the US HIGHWAY 66. Initially named Texokla and Texoma before settling on its current name, Texola became a waypoint for travelers after the establishment of a post office in 1901 by Reuben H. Grimes. This small town, originally part of Greer County before Beckham County’s creation in 1907, flourished with the advent of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad line in 1902, later operated by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. The early 20th century saw Texola thrive as an agricultural hub, supported by two cotton gins, a gristmill, and a variety of businesses, from general stores to a hardware store. The community was further enriched by the Texola Herald, published from 1902 into the early 1920s, and the foundation of several churches.

Texola’s relationship with Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America,” began when the famed highway was officially designated in 1926, running through the town and bringing a surge of travelers. This connection to one of the most celebrated highways in the U.S. fostered a golden era for Texola, offering accommodations and services to motorists exploring the country. Despite a peak population of 581 in 1930 and a gradual decline to 36 residents by 2010, Texola’s historical significance has endured, highlighted by the Magnolia Service Station’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Today, Texola stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Route 66, serving as a “bedroom” community while preserving the memory of its vibrant past and its role in the story of America’s most famous road.