The epitome of small town living in eastern Oklahoma, Westville in Adair County has a story that dates back to its founding in 1895 as a vital railway stop on the Kansas City, Pittsburg, and Gulf Railroad.
Situated along the line from Kansas City to the Gulf Coast, Westville's roots are intertwined with the development of America's railway system.
The establishment of the Westville post office on November 18, 1895, marked the town's official inception. Named in honor of Jim West, a local resident from nearby Cincinnati, Arkansas, and his son, Jim West Jr., an attorney for the Kansas City Southern Railway, the town quickly grew in regional significance.
Originally platted on 175 acres, Westville soon expanded with the development of the William D. Williams Addition and the Pat Dore Addition.
By 1902, the Ozark and Cherokee Central Railway extended its operations through Westville, running from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Okmulgee, Oklahoma. This strategic rail junction granted Westville an enviable position, fostering growth and prosperity.
In 1907, the formation of Adair County saw Westville designated as the county seat, thanks to its pivotal location at the intersection of two major railroads. However, this status was short-lived, as the county seat moved to Stilwell in 1910.
One of Westville's most iconic landmarks is the Buffington Hotel. Built in 1912, this historic building once served as the premier accommodation for travelers and locals alike.
Its distinctive architecture, featuring an arcade of round-arch windows, earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. In recent years, the Buffington Hotel has undergone extensive renovations under the guidance of its current owner, Bud Rose. While the downstairs has been transformed into a personal residence, the upstairs rooms patiently await their turn for restoration.
Westville is also home to other historic sites, such as the grave of Rev. Jesse Bushyhead in the Baptist Mission Cemetery off State Highway 59.
Rev. Bushyhead, a prominent Cherokee religious and political leader, is remembered for leading a detachment westward during the Trail of Tears. His grave is marked by an impressive 15-foot-tall marble monument topped with an urn.
The Opera Block, built between 1911 and 1912 on Main Street, once served as a bustling hub for commerce, government, and entertainment. Its second floor was configured as an opera house and auditorium, adding cultural flair to the town.
Although the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, it was sadly demolished in 1998.
Additionally, the Ballard Creek Roadbed serves as a remnant of a 19th-century wagon road along Ballard Creek. Associated with the resettlement of the Cherokees in Oklahoma at the end of their Trail of Tears, this roadbed linked the new Cherokee Nation with supply sources and services in northwestern Arkansas, highlighting its historical significance.
Near Westville, the historic site known as Breadtown once served as a supply depot for Cherokees completing the Trail of Tears. It provided essential food stores intended to sustain them during their first year in Indian Territory.
The nearby Baptist Mission, a center for Cherokee Christian evangelism, church organization, education, and publishing, further emphasizes the area's rich heritage.
Jim Ross, a well-known wrestling commentator and former professional wrestling referee, also spent part of his early life in Westville.
Ross played first base on the Westville baseball team and was a two-time all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets in 1968–69.
Westville's vibrant cultural tapestry is celebrated through annual events such as the Westville Heritage Festival, where locals and visitors alike come together to honor the town's unique history and enduring spirit.
