Bradley has been a significant site in Native history through the artifacts found at the Jewett Site. The area of Bradley was home to the Caddo Nation before the Great Removal. Prehistoric artifacts were found in 1979 and date back to A.D. 1250 – 1400. The town of Bradley was incorporated in 1938 and had its first election that year. Bradley was settled originally as a cow town, with the famous “97 Ranch” nearby, making it a point to visit along the famous Chisholm Trail!
The towns rich history has been preserved by its community. Pat's Twisted Vine is a locally owned business and has some of the lovelist floral arrangements and uses native Oklahoma elements.
Bradley, Oklahoma sits in the open land of Chickasaw Country between Chickasha and Lindsay, on Highway 19.
Long before there was an Oklahoma, the town of Bradley was home to a prehistoric Native American camp. Now known as the Jewett Site, because it was discovered on the Jewett family’s land, artifacts from 1250- 1400 were found along the Washita River.
More recent history, Bradley was a point along the famous Chisholm Trail. There was a cattle ranch near Bradley, the 97 Ranch, which influenced this stop.
The post office was placed and the town in 1891 and named after brothers William and Winter Bradley, who were important settlers in the town.
Winter Bradley had married Texanna Colbert in 1880. She was the daughter of a prominent Chickasaw leader in the Indian Territory, Benjamin Colbert, who had founded the town of Colbert on the Red River, also in Chickasaw Country.
In 1907, the Rock Island Railroad began to run through Bradley on its daily trip from Lindsay to Chickasha. By 1942, railroad service ended, and the railroad was deconstructed for use in the war effort.
It wasn’t until 1938 that Bradley was legally incorporated. Although a school district was established in 1907, it wasn’t until 1940 that the WPA assisted in building a two-story school building for the town. Although Bradley’s school district was annexed by Alex in 1990, there is still a great deal of pride in the school’s history, including the blue and gold Celtic dragon, which was the mascot, and is still on the town welcome sign.
Today Bradley is home to 132 people. In 2009, the citizens of Brady built a park, which was due to the efforts of the townspeople fundraising and seeking out matching grants.
When you go through Bradley, be sure to stop by Pat’s Twisted Vine Gift Shop. A native to Bradley, Pat continues her mother’s business in selling crystals and rocks, man-made glass, and home décor. Pat specializes in beautiful custom home décor arrangements made from natural pieces such as petrified wood, timber slices, and cow horns.
When you find yourself traveling down Highway 19, take a moment to stop by Bradley and pick up some unique pieces made with Oklahoman pride and history.
With much gratitude to the History of the Town of Bradley for resources.
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