Heartland Heritage Museum & Art Gallery is located in eastern Oklahoma at the crossroads of Interstate 40 and Highway 69, which is part of the historic Jefferson Highway, running from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Checotah acquired its name from Chief Checote (1819-1884) who was elected the first Chief of the Creek Nation after the Civil War. Checote was a political leader, military veteran, and a Methodist preacher in Indian Territory.

 

Checotah was once a game trail before it became the Checote Switch, a rail-head  for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or KATY). In 1893, the town was chartered by the Creek Nation. Due to the mapmakers mistake, the town's name became Checotah.

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Between 1907 and 1909, Checotah and nearby Eufaula were involved in a dispute known as the McIntosh County Seat War. When Eufaula refused to relinquish county records, Checotah attempted to seize the records. A gunfight ensued with Checotah being forced to surrender the county seat to Eufaula.

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Dubbed the Steer Wrestling Capital of the World, Checotah earned the title by serving as hometown and training ground for six World Champion bulldoggers including Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame winner Roy Duvall. Other local rodeo champions include: Willard Combs, Benny Combs, Billy Hale, Bill Duvall, Mason Carter, Tommy Combs, as well as barrel racers Betty Roper, and Jaylie Roper.

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Music abounds in Checotah. Carrie Underwood, American Idol winner (2005) with multiple Grammy Awards calls Checotah her hometown. Nearby Rentiesville hosts the Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival every Labor Day at the birthplace of Blues Great, D.C. Minner and wife Selby. The festival showcases dozens of regional and statewide Blues Musicians. Located on the property is the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame.

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Last but not least, the museum shares its space with the Checotah Art Guild (CAG). Area artists gather here to practice and share various styles of art. They enjoy Open Art on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-3:00. Come and join the group.

 

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