09/30/2026
What kinds of attractions or sites do you seek out when you visit a town? For us, we love finding historic attractions, or places that were not initially intended to be historic but have been in operation for so long that they are now historic 😁
We visited one such place on our Route 66 day trip this weekend and wanted to share about it! It is Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park in Foyil, in northeastern Oklahoma, near Claremore (see link in comments).
Mr. Galloway created numerous totem-pole inspired concrete creations on the grounds of his home from 1937 to 1961 to honor the Indigenous peoples of the United States.
The most noteworthy piece is a 90-foot tall structure carved with bas-relief designs featuring turtles, eagles, and 9-foot tall depictions of Indigenous people. There are also smaller creations in the grounds, as well as a concrete picnic table with matching chairs and a structure that housed a wood-burning stove and issued smoke from the mouth of a creature at the top of the structure! 🔥
Visitors may also tour Mr. Galloway’s workshop that is decorated inside and out with more totem-pole-inspired decor, and see the extensive collection of fiddles he made as well as wood furniture with intricate inlay work 🎻
Given the age of the structures, it is not surprising that they do not accurately represent any particular Indigenous tribe and are based on the stereotypical views of the time about Indigenous peoples. It is better viewed as a historical Route 66 roadside attraction and an amazing testament to one man’s pursuit of a passion project as well as the community’s involvement and support.
We love stepping back in time and visiting places like this and are thankful to the historical societies who save and preserve them! 💜
Have you visited any stretch of Route 66 on this 100th anniversary year? Let us know in the comments!
