Sayre, Oklahoma, was founded shortly after the railroad arrived on
September 14, 1901. Before that, it was known as Riverton because of its
location near the North Fork of the Red River. When the Choctaw,
Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad completed its line to Sayre, businesses
sprang up overnight, causing many people from surrounding communities to
move closer to the rail. Sayre's historical downtown area is home to
many buildings that date from the city's founding in 1901. When Route 66
was constructed through Sayre, transportation was solidified as the
community's main industry. The town began to grow again when Farmrail
launched an American Short Line Regional Railroad through Sayre and its
surrounding area in 1981. Through the years, many legendary people have
called Sayre home, including horseman Walter Merrick, world champion
bull rider Justin McBride, bronc riders Gene Ross and Jonas DeArmon, and
singer Roger Miller. The community is known for its natural beauty,
sensational sunsets, and a flat landscape that allows one to see for
miles in every direction.