Stringtown: Historic Roads and Heritage

Stringtown brings together a small-valley landscape and stories of mills, roads, and local landmarks. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay here, these specific themes can help you get a sense of the destination: the town’s history tells of earlier roads and buildings; Stringtown WMA lies east of town.

Valley, Mill Town, and Historic Routes

Stringtown sits in a small valley surrounded by gently rolling hills. The town was one of the mill towns in the Choctaw Nation. Stringtown’s first timber-frame house was built in 1868. These details highlight different aspects of the town’s history: the landscape as its setting and the mills as part of its historic character.

Travel routes are also part of the story. Stagecoaches and wagons crossed the area along Texas Road; the historic Jefferson Highway ran through Stringtown. These are two distinct connections: Texas Road describes an earlier route through the surrounding area, while Jefferson Highway was a historic link through the town. Those interested in the history of travel will find several local points of reference, without conflating the roads into a single route.

Homes, Memorials, and Local Remembrance

Garside House has been fully restored. On its grounds, a lighted walkway leads to a Veterans Memorial. There is also another walkway on the property, with historic sites explained by informational signs. These are distinct features of the grounds: the lighted path leads to the memorial, while the signs explain the historic sites.

The Stringtown Shootout Memorial marks the former site of a dance hall on Highway 69. It commemorates Deputy Sheriff Eugene Moore and Sheriff C. G. Maxwell. The location and dedication give the memorial two clear historical connections: the former dance hall site and the two officials it honors. Both can be distinguished from the history of the travel routes, even though Highway 69 is also one of the area’s road connections.

A local street is named in honor of Reba McEntire: Reba McEntire Avenue. The avenue is also Stop 5 on the Reba McEntire Route in Stringtown. The street name and stop number help visitors navigate this theme: they link the honor to a specific entry on the route, rather than referring to Reba McEntire only in general terms.

Winter’s Home is also part of the town’s architectural history. A report from June 2025 describes the home’s restoration and conversion into a museum presenting Stringtown’s heritage. A historic marker referred to a large, two-story home built by Mark and Susie Bell Renfro in 1912. Winter’s Home is therefore notable both for its history as a building and for its later restoration; the museum description is distinct from the history of the house itself.

Surroundings and Practical Travel Planning

Stringtown WMA is seven miles east of Stringtown on Greasy Bend Road. The area covers 4,000 acres and is characterized by oak-pine vegetation. It also has a designated site for primitive camping. If you’re planning a visit, check the current access rules beforehand, as they may change. The distance and location on Greasy Bend Road help visitors understand that this natural area is a separate destination outside Stringtown.

At historic Route 69, Choctaw Casino – Stringtown offers gambling; there is also a restaurant on site. As operations and restaurant availability may change, it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit. The local attractions are distinct: historic buildings and memorials tell the story of Stringtown’s past, the WMA offers a natural area nearby, and the casino adds to the offerings along Route 69.

For a broader travel overview: Atoka County.