Chelsea, Oklahoma - circa 1904

Our Mission

The Mission of the Chelsea Area Historical Society is to actively promote the awareness of local history; to encourage the preservation of local historical locations and memories; and, to provide assistance with genealogical research.  We strive to complete this mission through the collection and preservation of documents, photographs, and items reflecting our history for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.

A town rich in history and culture.

The information and history of our town is rich in variety, importance, and culture.  From agriculture including cotton and cattle to energy development of coal mines and oil rigs, Chelsea emerged as an important location for the growth and success of the Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation which progressed through Statehood and continues today.

Our people have been creative and resourceful from the beginning.  They  worked together building a working and thriving community their families should continue to take pride in.  

The Sanborn Fire Insurance Company completed maps of towns of their insured providing a look at the business and dwelling locations.  This map from June 1896 shows the Couch Building located at the corner of Olive Ave and Fifth Street.  The street numbers changed prior to a Department of Interior Survey in March 1902, for reasons which are not known, making our main street Sixth Street.

This map provides our first look at the beginning of our town and includes a Gun Smith, Hardware Store, two Drug Stores, seven (yes 7!) General Stores, a Meat Market, two Billiards Halls, two Grocery Stores, one Print Shop, two Restaurants, a Confectionary, three Blacksmith Shops, a Law Office, two Doctor's Offices, one Barber/Jewelry Shop, and the Chelsea Lumber Company (the only business listed by name).

The Sanborn map also provides additional details and lists the population of Chelsea in June 1896 at 500 people, with no fire department (stating no steam or hand engines, and no independent hose carts), and lists the water facilities as "public and private wells and cisterns", and the prevailing winds from the southwest.

The Couch Building, built by Marion W. Couch, was located on the southwest corner of 5th & Olive.  It included the first Bank of Chelsea, organized in March 1896, as well as two General Stores and the Post Office.  The second floor was used as a meeting hall for the Knights of Pythias.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov