The Ponca Townsite Company
Ponca City was created in true Oklahoma fashion during the land runs of the late 1800's. On September 16, 1893, homesteaders lined up for a race to claim one of the 160-acre farm sites in the area surrounding what became Ponca City.

Early in the spring of 1893, B.S. Barnes, having heard that the Cherokee Strip was to be opened for settlement, headed for Arkansas City with the hope of building a new city in this frontier area. Barnes had sold his furniture manufacturing plant in Adrian, Michigan, desiring to make his fortune on "The Strip."

After driving for many days, with a team and buggy, over what is now referred to as the counties of Kay, Grant, Garfield, and Noble, he observed a wagon road in Kay County, that ran from Arkansas City southward and crossed the Arkansas river at a point one mile south of the present Arkansas river bridge near Ponca City. The B&M ford was located at this point, and had been used for years as a buggy and wagon crossing. About a mile northeast of the ford on the same wagon road, was a spring.

The fact that the spring was a good water source and was located on the main road to the Osage Country, caused Barnes to decide that near this point was the logical site for his contemplated city. Barnes went back to Arkansas City to announce the location of the new city and to organize the Ponca Townsite Company.

The 101 Ranch
101 Ranch - A National Historic Landmark, this picnic area commemorates the 101 Ranch which was home to the hundreds of participants in the famous 101 Wild West Show. This show, which traveled throughout the world in the 1920s, featured sharp shooters, trick riders, ropers and Indians in full regalia.

The Poncan Theatre
Built in 1927, this atmospheric theatre was the grandest in town. Live performances and silent features were accompanied by a Wurlitzer organ, two pianos and the Poncan Orchestra. It was really an experience to visit the Poncan Theatre to see such superstars as Ethel Barrymore and Will Rogers. Today, the Poncan has been restored to its original glory and special events are scheduled regularly.

Designed by the Boller Brothers of Kansas City, it was the fifth and grandest theatre in a town of 16,000 people. Several of the Boller Brothers' theatres, including the Poncan are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When constructed, the Poncan cost $280,000. It is one of the few surviving atmospheric theatres in the country. The Poncan was Spanish Colonial Revival in style and the interior was created to simulate an outdoor Mediterranean courtyard.

The Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue
In 1927, Marland had the idea that a statue should be erected to honor the spirit of the women who played such a significant role in the settling of this part of the country. He hired 12 artists to submit their own design, for which each was paid $10,000.

The twelve miniature 3-foot statues toured the country by train, traveling to 12 different cities in six months. The statues were viewed by 750,000 people who cast votes for their favorite. The overwhelming favorite was the monument of a confident woman and her young son, created by sculptor Bryant Baker of New York. The statue stands 17 feet high and weighs 12,000 pounds. It is mounted on a pyramid limestone base, making the total height over 30 feet.

Marland Mansion
The grand Marland Estate Mansion, one of America's castles, is a showplace containing approximately 48,000 square feet spread over four floors -- complete with leather-lined elevator, twelve bathrooms, three kitchens, an elegant ballroom with 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling worth over $1.4 million, and seven fireplaces. The workmanship and beauty provide an aura of simplicity in grandeur, impossible to reproduce today. The Mansion is a National Historical Landmark.

Standing Bear Statue and Park
A monumental tribute to all Native Americans, this 22-foot bronze statue is of Ponca Chief Standing Bear, created by Cowboy Artist of America, Oreland C. Joe. The magnificent monument of Standing Bear is majestic as a very realistic depiction of Standing Bear - with right hand extended to the east and his eyes, gentle and wise, overlook the ancient Arkansas River valley, where the original Chief Standing Bear is believed to have walked more than 100 years ago.

The 63-acre park encompasses more than eight acres and includes off street parking; a one-acre pond with central arrowhead island; a walking trail winding through native grasses and wildflowers to the monument site, and a shaded memorial grove at a peaceful sitting area along the way

The Family Farm
An a-MAZING and "corny" aspect has been been added to the educational, tourism and business portfolio of Ponca City. This comes in the form of "agri-tainment" featuring a gigantic corn maze in the shape of Oklahoma.

This 11-Acre corn "maze" was designed by the world's leading maze designer Brett Herst. The maze is one of two in Oklahoma designed by Herbst. The Family Farm Inc. offers a unique source of good farming fun for adults and children alike.

Ponca City Art Center
Anthony Godance Soldani built his dream home at a cost of $92,000. George J. Canon was the architect and the house was built by O.F. Keck. The green glazed roof tile was imported from France. Interior woodwork came from walnut trees on Soldani's Osage County Ranch and was specially milled in Kansas City. Other features include tiled fireplaces from England and imported tile floors in the basement. One charming aspect of the house in the "courting room" tucked under the gracious staircase. In its heyday, the Soldani house was a gathering place for the young people of Ponca City. Anthony Soldani died in 1956 and his wife passed away three years later. In 1966, the Ponca City Art Association purchased the home.

Centennial Plaza
The Centennial Plaza, with its backdrop of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was started as a project for the Centennial year of the 1893 run. It contains bricks engraved with the names of pioneers, descendants, organizations, supporters and others who helped make the project a success.

Annual Events
A complete current list of area events are posted at www.poncacitytourism.com.

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