Elk City

Beckham CountyHome of the National Route 66 Museum

Population: 11,693
Founded: 1901
Elevation: 2,020 ft

About Elk City

Elk City is a historic Route 66 town known for its rich western heritage and as the home of the National Route 66 Museum.

History

Founded in 1901, Elk City became an important stop along Route 66. The town grew as a trading center for the surrounding agricultural area and later became known for its oil and gas industry.

What Makes Elk City Special

  • Home to the National Route 66 Museum
  • Historic Route 66 corridor
  • Western heritage and cowboy culture
  • Oil and gas industry center

Notable People

Tex Gibbons

Tex Gibbons

(1907 - 1984)

Captain of the 1936 U.S. Olympic gold-medal basketball team

Born in Elk City

Bennie Warren

Bennie Warren

(1912 - 1994)

MLB catcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants

Born in Elk City

Sheb Wooley

Sheb Wooley

(1921 - 2003)

Country music singer and actor, known for "Purple People Eater"

Born near Elk City

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy Webb

(Born 1946)

Grammy-winning songwriter known for classics like "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park"

Born in Elk City

Willard Craig Broadwater

Willard Craig Broadwater

(1950 - 2006)

U.S. federal judge for the Northern District of West Virginia

Born in Elk City

Grant Woods

Grant Woods

(1954 - 2021)

Arizona Attorney General from 1991 to 1999

Born in Elk City

Susan Powell

Susan Powell

(1961 - 2009)

Miss America 1981, television personality

Born and raised in Elk City

Places in Elk City

No Places to Stay Listed

Check back later for stay information.

Upcoming Events

Route 66 Festival

Route 66 Festival

Three-day celebration of America's Mother Road with classic cars, live music, food vendors, and historical exhibits.

April 20, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Downtown Elk City

Quick Facts

County

Beckham County

Population

11,693

Founded

1901

Elevation

2,020 ft

Nickname

Home of the National Route 66 Museum

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