Vinita was established in 1871. It was the second settlement in Oklahoma. First known as Downingville, it was predominently a Native American community
Later it was renamed Vinita after Vinnie Ream. She was awarded the commission for the statue of Lincoln by a vote of Congress in 1866 when the artist was 18 years old. A cunning woman that knew how to work a system that was dominated by men, she was successful in her indevores.
Vinta can boast of being the first town in Oklahoma to have electricity. As a throughway that intersects major highways and two major railroads, Burlington Northern and Union Pacific, it has always been a town of action and entertainment.
History of Vinita
In the Sooner State
From Downingville to Vinita, Oklahoma
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