Welcome Home, To Davenport, Oklahoma

Nestled between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Davenport is a step back to the heart of Route 66. A tiny blink-and-you-miss-it town, Davenport is a hidden treasure trove of history and nostalgia.

Davenport History

Noah and Annie Sutton Davenport staked a claim during the Sac and Fox Opening on September 22, 1891, when land was opened to non-Indian settlers. The town was named after the Davenport family and still celebrates Nettie, the daughter of Noah and Annie, who became the first postmistress of the post office established on March 29, 1892.

Davenport Route 66 Centennial Monument

Davenport migrated slightly to situate itself in the crossroads of two competing railroads by 1901, before incorporating in 1906. By 1916, it had persuaded the Ozark Trail promoters to route their highway through town, which paid off when the trail was rebadged as Route 66 a decade later.

In 1948, Les Paul and Mary Ford drove through Davenport in a convertible during a snowstorm. Hitting an ice patch, they lost control of the vehicle and plunged off the side of a railroad overpass, dropping twenty feet into a ravine. During the crash, Les threw his arm over Mary to protect her as much as possible. The accident took down telephone and telegraph lines, which became their saving grace. When the telephone company sent out repairmen to fix the lines, they found Les and Mary in the snow.

Les's protection was not in vain, but came at a cost. Mary walked away without any significant injuries, but Les's arm, which he shielded Mary with, was shattered. After many surgeries, it was clear that his arm would never bend again. Les told the doctors to put his forefinger on his belly button when they set it. That's how he held the guitar, and believed it would allow him to still be able to play. The doctors were not convinced Les would ever play again, but he was determined. After over a year of recuperation and adapting to the change in his arm, Les was not only able to play guitar, but he also went on to hit the top of the music charts with Mary Ford.

Davenport Events

Every year on the Saturday before Mother's Day, Davenport celebrates Nettie Davenport Day. Celebrating Davenport's first postmistress is a whirlwind of nostalgia and family fun. Bicycle and tricycle races let the kids participate in the fun and enjoy the thrill of speeding down the brick streets. Potato sack races, three-legged races, cornhole, and horseshoe tosses all allow the whole family to step back from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality family time. The parade is always a hit; adults appreciate the vintage cars and tractors while the kids are thrilled by the fire truck's siren and each parade float tossing candy.

Davenport will celebrate its first annual Car Show & Popcorn Festival on September 20, 2025. A celebration of old and new, it is the perfect stop for die-hard car enthusiasts or casual enjoyers. Guests can enjoy popcorn, treats, and shopping in between the excitement of seeing their dream hot rod in person. This family-friendly event has something for everyone!

Davenport Travel

Little towns like Davenport ensure that Route 66 remains a path of history, safe travels, and southern hospitality. Stroll along the historic brick streets, and appreciate the 100-year-old road that holds warm memories from long ago.

 

Historic photo of Davenport High School

When Model Ts and oil‑boom trucks began rattling through, the Davenport Brick & Tile Company supplied one mile of vitrified bricks to pave Broadway Avenue. Six blocks of that ruby‑red ribbon survive, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's one of only a handful of original brick stretches left on the Mother Road.

While soaking in the sunshine, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful artwork adorning Davenport. Both sides of Broadway are decorated with murals celebrating Oklahoma's history and Davenport's proud heritage. The 1905 Farmers Bank Building boasts a 32-foot-tall mural of picturesque postcards honoring the town's namesake postmistress, the Pony Express, and the Western history that established our state. Across the way, the mural celebrates the world's first spherical oil storage tank, constructed of steel by the Magnolia Oil Company in 1925. The tank still resides in Davenport, on the Ozark Trail North of town, overseeing a century of history. Follow the brick road a bit further to find two more murals flanking the road.

Davenport doesn't leave its history to sit in the dust either. The 1933 Texaco filling station has seen nearly one hundred years of families traveling on Route 66, and will now serve tourists as a Welcome Center. In 2026, Davenport will celebrate the grand opening of the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center will have information about the hidden gems along the Mother Road, especially those in little towns like Davenport.

When you've worked up an appetite, stop by Old Magnolia Garage for a fried pie. Let the kids enjoy North Park, check out the fun finds in the thrift stores, and grab a sweet tea at Tammy's Roadhouse. No matter what brings you through Davenport, trust that there is a spot for you at the table.