09/02/2025
Visit Stillwater is always in the know! π
Historic Downtown Stillwater, Where Stillwater Began!
Stillwater, OK
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Downtown Stillwater Oklahoma posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Downtown Stillwater Oklahoma:
Photo: 1920βs Stillwater, OK
Over a century ago, on April 22, 1889, the foundation for the future city of Stillwater was laid. Thousands of homesteaders rushed the land as Oklahoma Territory was officially opened for citizens to cultivate a new home.
This official opening of the land to settlement was preceded by a significant event. In 1884, Captain William L. Couch attempted to settle the land. Couch and his companions were escorted out of the area by the military, but not before they named the area near Stillwater Creek, "The Town of Stillwater." The name stuck and the city of Stillwater was born.
The historic events leading to the permanent settlement were the basis of the cityβs motto, "Where Oklahoma Began." Although Stillwater was young, the newly arrived residents had great dreams and visions of what it was to become. Their ideas led to many accomplishments over the years which helped put Stillwater on the map.