A SHORT TRACK WITH A LONG LEGACY
Welcome to the historic crossing of the Bartlesville-Dewey Interurban Railway, a once-bustling electric streetcar line that helped shape the growth of Bartlesville during the early 20th century. While the trolley’s operation spanned just over 12 years — from July 1908 to July 1920 — its impact on the community was lasting and profound.
This location, near the present-day intersection of Frank Phillips Boulevard and Pathfinder Parkway, marks the spot where the Interurban crossed the Caney River as it headed north toward Dewey and south toward the city’s industrial centers. The painted mural you see here is not only a nod to this unique transportation history, but also a celebration of the bold vision, civic pride, and entrepreneurial spirit that powered Bartlesville’s rise during Oklahoma’s oil boom years.
The idea for the Interurban emerged in 1905 when local leaders began imagining an electric rail system that would connect Bartlesville with Dewey, the surrounding smelter facilities, and possibly even distant cities like Coffeyville and Independence.
After many delays, funding challenges, and organizational changes, construction finally began in late 1907. On April 13, 1908, a golden spike was ceremoniously driven at Third Street and Johnstone Avenue, marking the official beginning of the rail line. Just three months later, the first trolley cars were carrying passengers between Bartlesville and Dewey.
The Interurban was both a transportation system and an engine of growth. It linked residents to businesses, workers to smelters, and visitors to events like the Dewey Roundup and races at Belle Meade Track. Stops were located throughout the area—some with colorful names like the “Dog House Switch” or “Little Bess” — and the route wove through key neighborhoods like Tuxedo, passing brick-paved streets and new homes that sprung up along the line. While its initial intent was to move people, the system also generated power. A large powerhouse built at Fourth and Comanche supplied electricity not only to the rail cars but to nearby towns and businesses, contributing to Bartlesville’s early electrification.
Despite its popularity, the Interurban struggled financially. Labor strikes, bridge washouts over the Caney River, and competition from automobiles and improved roads eventually took their toll. In 1919, the Corporation Commission approved the railway’s request to end service to Dewey, and by July 1920, the streetcars ceased operating altogether. Although its time was brief, the Interurban left behind clear signs of its presence — rails still lie under the pavement on Keeler Avenue between Eighth and Ninth Streets, and the bridge piers in the Caney River can still be seen south of the Frank Phillips Bridge when the trees are bare.
Today, this mural and plaque serve as a small but meaningful tribute to a big idea — a reminder of the role that innovation, infrastructure and public ambition played in shaping the Bartlesville we know today. This project was completed in partnership with the Bartlesville Park Board and the City of Bartlesville’s Community Development Department, as part of the city’s continued commitment to public art, historic preservation, and trail system enhancement.
As you walk the Pathfinder Parkway, take a moment to reflect on the tracks that once ran beneath your feet, and the electric trolley that once connected this vibrant and growing community.
Learn more about Bartlesville’s history from the Bartlesville Area History Museum.