"The Cherokee Kid"TM

Photo professionally taken By Rhoads Photography©

~A Monument to Will Rogers~

Located in Oologah, Oklahoma

Will Rogers, the beloved Oklahoman humorist, was born on the family ranch in the Cherokee National (just northeast of present day Oologah) on November 4, 1879. He met his wife, Betty, at the train depot in Oologah. The Cherokee KidTM Monument portrays Will Rogers pausing for a drink with his favorite quarterhorse, Comanche, at the historic town pump. The moment depicted is just before statehood, about 1906. Rogers had started his world travels and made his reputation in Wild West shows. He returned home for a summer before leaving the Dog Iron Ranch and Oologah for the lure of show business.

The monument's name reflects that period. Rogers was billed as "The Cherokee Kid" in Wild west shows and vaudeville. In reading "The Cherokee Kid" written by David Milsten for research, the monument committee found its name.

The monument is, in a way, a phoenix rising from the ashes. In 1992, an historic 1930 replica of the Rogers birthplace was destroyed by arson fire. The Chamber replaced the historic structure by the highway with a newer replica, but the experience focused community attention on Rogers' continuing influence. Marian Clark, a retired teacher, suggested the concept for the life-sized sculpture. The Oologah Historic Society discovered a nationally-recognized sculpture, Sandra van Zandt, living in nearby Talala.

Three years later, The Cherokee KidTMMonument is a reality. It would not have been possible without the creativity of the artist, the vision and courage of the monument committee and Oolagah Historic Society, the persistent patience of dozens of volunteers and the generosity of hundreds of donors.

Rogers and pioneer aviator Wiley Post died in a tragic airplane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska on August 15, 1935. Sixty years later, on August 12, 1995, Rogers is remembered in Oologah with the unveiling of The Cherokee KidTM. This friendship between Will Rogers and Wiley Post is the inspiration for Sandra's newest Will Rogers Monument. Sponsored by the Rogers County Historical Society, and titled "Will & Wiley", this third in -the- series of the Will Rogers Story, is a celebration of the contributions both of these famous Oklahoman's made to the pioneer aviation industry.

Because of these historic Monuments, Will Rogers still casts his shadow of "down home" humor and common sense on Claremore, Oologah and the people throughout the world.