Dog Iron Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Will Rogers Birthplace
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The house at Dog Iron Ranch where Will Rogers was born
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rogers County, Oklahoma, USA |
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| Nearest city | 9501 E. 380 Rd., Oologah, Oklahoma |
| Area | 1,536 square feet (142.7 m2) |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000538 |
| Added to NRHP | September 29, 1970 |
The Dog Iron Ranch is a historic ranch located near Oologah, Oklahoma, in the United States. This special place is famous because it is the birthplace of the beloved American humorist and entertainer, Will Rogers.
The ranch was once a huge property, covering about 60,000 acres. It was run by Will's father, Clem Rogers. Today, the ranch is much smaller, about 400 acres. It was given to the State of Oklahoma by the Rogers family. Now, the Cherokee Nation owns and manages the ranch. When Clem Rogers owned it, the ranch had as many as 10,000 Texas Longhorn cattle. Today, about 50 Longhorns still live there.
Contents
The Historic Birthplace House
The main house at Dog Iron Ranch was built in 1875 by Clem Rogers. He lived there until his wife passed away in 1890. His famous son, Will Rogers, was born in this house on November 4, 1879.
House Design and Materials
The house is a two-story building designed in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s. The first floor was built using strong logs from local oak, hickory, and walnut trees. The house measures about 48 feet long and 32 feet wide. This covers an area of 1,536 square feet.
Originally, the house had two front rooms, each about 16 feet square. These rooms were separated by an open hallway called a "dog trot." Later, this open space was closed in to create an entry hall. Downstairs, the rooms were used as a parlor and a master bedroom. This bedroom also served as Clem Rogers' office. A small addition at the back held the kitchen, dining room, and an extra bedroom. Upstairs, above the front rooms, there were two more bedrooms.
"The White House on the Verdigris"
Clem Rogers was a very important person in local politics. Because of his influence, the house was more than just a family home. It was a center for local political discussions and decisions. People often called it "The White House on the Verdigris." This name showed how important it was in the community.
Moving the House
In the 1960s, the house where Will Rogers was born had to be moved. It was relocated about a mile from its original spot. This move was necessary because the nearby Lake Oologah reservoir was being built.
The Ranch Barn
The current barn at the Dog Iron Ranch was built on July 17, 1993. About two dozen Amish carpenters worked together to build it. They used traditional methods, like notch and peg construction. This was a common way to build in the 1800s.
Barn Features and Safety
The new barn is 48 feet wide and 64 feet long. It's a bit different from the original barn, which was 50 by 60 feet. The new barn's roof is covered with asphalt shingles. This is for better fire safety, instead of the wooden shakes used on older barns. The original barn and possibly two others had been destroyed by wildfires. The current barn has traditional stalls for animals. It also includes a classroom area that can be used for eating or learning.
Ranch Ownership and Visiting
For many years, the Will Rogers Memorial Commission managed the Dog Iron Ranch. On March 7, 2016, Governor Mary Fallin signed a new law. This law placed the commission under the control of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
More recently, on June 12, 2023, ownership of the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch was transferred to the Cherokee Nation. Today, the ranch is open to visitors. It's a great place to explore and learn about Will Rogers' early life and the history of the area.
Will Rogers' California Ranch
After Will Rogers moved to California in the early 1930s, he bought another property. This ranch was in Pacific Palisades. After his passing, this property became the Will Rogers State Historic Park in 1944. It is now a California State Park.
