Welcome to Stilwell!

Construction of the railway established our town in the late 1890s. Agriculture gave us a foundation for a strong local economy.

Beginning in 1930, strawberries became a major crop, with over 2,000 acres cultivated. In 1948 the Stilwell Kiwanis Club organized the first Stilwell Strawberry Festival, which succeeded beyond all expectations. In 1949, the State of Oklahoma designated Stilwell "Strawberry Capital of the World." Up to 40,000 attended the 2002 festival.

Financial institutions and manufacturing helped diversify our economy. Today, major employers include Cherokee Nation Industries, Facet Manufacturing, Tyson Foods, and Schwan's. In 1971, the railway depot was deeded to the city, then the Adair County Historical & Genealogical Association leased the building in 1999. It's also the home of our Chamber of Commerce.

The area enjoys gigabit internet service from OzarksGo and from Kinetic by Windstream, and ICTC has launched a comprehensive IT training program. So today, Stilwell is the land of opportunity! We hope you'll explore this website and our wonderful city.