Oklahoma was not yet a state when the City of Sayre was founded in 1901.  Robert Heysham Sayre, a wealthy railroad tycoon from Pennsylvania was very generous to the newly-formed town and provided donations to assist in building Sayre’s Presbyterian Church.  Old newspaper accounts indicate the first passenger train arrived in Sayre on September 25, 1901.  The train carried 300-400 passengers anxious to settle the new territory.  The town now has a population of approximately 3500.

Sayre, the county seat of Beckham County, experienced growth as a result of the railroad in the early decades.  The prosperity continued via the “Mother Road” – Historic Rt. 66, which runs through the heart of Sayre.  And then came Interstate 40. 

Famous for it’s appearance in the movie, “Grapes of Wrath”, the Beckham County courthouse was built as a symmetrical blend of Neo-Classical and Second Renaissance Revival styles.  Several buildings on Main Street have been placed on the National Historic Registry. 

The beautiful Sayre City Park, a WPA project on Rt. 66, is one of the nicest parks adjacent to I-40.  It offers one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the state, featuring Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens. Visitors may also enjoy tennis, swimming, lighted walking trails, fishing, miniature golf, volleyball, picnic tables, rodeo facilities and playground area. The park also accommodates campers with 80 shaded sites with hookups and dumping station.

Western Oklahoma is known for its abundant wildlife.  Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area is 23 miles south of Sayre.  The area covers 19,100 acres of Greer and Beckham County in southwest Oklahoma.  Mesquite, red-berry juniper and mixed grasses dominate the area.  The rolling red plains reveal “another side” as a visitor drives the paved roads of the Sandy Sanders.  Hillsides and canyons display shades of reds, grays and greens creating a vista similar to the Grand Canyon.  Birding and wildlife viewing are a must when one visits the area.  Horseback riding is a great way to discover the beauty of Sandy Sanders.  Hunters enjoy hunting deer, turkey, quail, dove and water fowl.

You’re always welcome in Sayre!