Gateway to Oklahoma Along the Chisholm Trail - Ryan, OK
N 34° 01.246 W 097° 57.457
14S E 596241 N 3764949
A mural welcoming you to Ryan, OK, "The Gateway to Oklahoma Along the Chisholm Trail," is affixed to the side of a vacant building (previously Baker's Ready-To-Wear) at 524 Washington St, Ryan, OK.
Waymark Code: WMQY81
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 04/13/2016
Views: 3
The mural has "Welcome to RYAN" in the lower left corner, featuring the large orange letters that you'll see on signs at the edge of town, welcoming you. The primary focus are the cowboys and cattle who traveled the Chisholm Trail into Oklahoma, and in the background is a small wagon, hinting of the settlers who followed. A plate in the lower right corner is below the author's signature:
A 1997 Ryan Community Project
Sponsored by
The Ryan Heritage Group
Artist M.H. Henry
Structural Engineer Hershel Shoffner
There is also a memorial plate below the mural, at its center:
A Tribute, Lest We Forget...
Stephen Walker Ryan, born 1856, Hot Springs, Arkansas came to this Indian Territory in 1872 at age 16 with his father, John Gilford Ryan. By his marriage with a Chickasaw, Carrie Cheadle, he acquired indisputable rights as a citizen of the territory. Six children were born from this union. The Ryan's first home was a small cabin on Red River near the present site of the town of Ryan. The Chisholm Trail was to the east. Later Mr. Ryan fenced large tracts of land in what is now Jefferson County. When the Rock Island Railroad built a line station on land he controlled, he platted and sold the townsite of Ryan. S.W. Ryan became a prominent cattle shipper in the region. He was connected with the First National Bank, was an elder of the Presbyterian Church and a Master Mason. In 1894 death claimed his wife, Carrie. Three years later he married Sallie Wiley and fathered four more children. Because of his foresight, tough pioneer courage, and benevolent spirit his legacy continues to live on in the town of Ryan, and the Red River Valley that he loved so much. His cattle brand was a large "SW" placed on the side, rather than hip, of his cattle.
Ryan Heritage Group, 1997
City: Ryan, OK
Location Name: 524 Washington Street
Artist: M.H. Henry
Date: 1997
Media: Paint on canvas
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and description of your visit. One original photo of the mural must also be submitted. GPSr photo NOT required.