Town History

Talala was established on June 23, 1890. “Ta-la-la” is the Cherokee term for the redheaded woodpecker.

Nestled in the northeastern region of Oklahoma, Talala is a charming town with a history dating back to its establishment on June 23, 1890. The Talala post office opened the same month.

“Ta-la-la” is the Cherokee term for the redheaded woodpecker, a bird species that thrived along a nearby stream known as Ta-la-la Creek. There is disagreement on whether Talala was named for that creek or for Capt. John Talala Kell, a red-haired Cherokee who served with the Third Indian Home Guard Regiment during the Civil War.

Talala is known for its warm and friendly community, where residents share a strong sense of pride in their town. The tranquil environment is shaped by the presence of Oologah Lake, the town’s largest body of water, offering a serene backdrop to the community.

Emphasizing its commitment to family, Talala has expanded its town park and introduced a new walking trail around Town Hall. These enhancements provide not only recreational opportunities but also foster a sense of community well-being.

Talala also has a notable agricultural history, with numerous farms and ranches in the vicinity. Each year the town comes alive with the vibrant celebration of the Talala Fall Festival.

Veterans memorial

Talala remembers local service members at a memorial that includes plaques and an eagle sculpture. Names and dates below are transcribed from the plaques.

Sgt. Robert Harold Higeons

536th Bomb Squadron, U.S. Army Air Force, Pocatello, Idaho.

Born July 16, 1922, Talala, Oklahoma. Entered military service November 6, 1942. Killed in navigator training mission August 16, 1943.

Sergeant Roy W. Harmon

U.S. Army. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Birth place: Talala, Oklahoma.

On 12 July 1944 near Casaglia, Italy, Sgt. Harmon, facing tremendous enemy fire, made an individual and heroic attack on three German machine gun positions in an open wheat field. Harmon advanced with no cover or concealment and, though mortally wounded, destroyed the enemy positions, saving the lives of 100 of his fellow soldiers who had been pinned down and faced certain annihilation by the enemy positions.

S1c Claude A. Clemmens

U.S.S. Arizona, United States Navy, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Born February 15, 1919, Talala, Oklahoma. Killed and entombed aboard the U.S.S. Arizona while in port at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941.

Eagle sculpture