Created at statehood and named for Granville Craig, a prominent Cherokee, this area was part of the Cherokee Nation. The area was only sparsely settled until after the Civil War when a few scattered Cherokees made their homes in the region. Every three years, a re-enactment of the Battle of Cabin Creek takes place; the next event will be Fall 2001.
Vinita, the county seat, was once called both Downingville and The Junction and was established in 1891 at the junction of the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad (KATY) and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, (later the Frisco), the first rail lines to enter Oklahoma.
Craig County has long been a livestock producing area with cattle ranches located throughout. The industrial base of Vinita has been expanded to include everything from the manufacturing of towers to micro connectors. As headquarters of the Grand River Dam Authority, Craig County is also the site of the Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma Electric Power Distributor, and the Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. Annual events include the original Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in August, the Calf Fry Festival in September, and Oktoberfest.
The Craig County Book and others offer more information, or call the county clerk's office at 918/256-2507. County narrative provided courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries from the 2002-2004 Oklahoma Almanac.
| Population Totals | ||
| 2006 Estimate | 2000 Census | |
| Craig | 15,046 | 14,950 |
| Median Age: | 39.3 | |
| Median Household Income: | $31,655(2004) | $30,997 |
County Government
County Seat- Vinita
Court Clerk- Mary Denny, D, Bluejacket
Clerk- Tammy Malone, D, Vinita
Sheriff- Jimmie Sooter, D, Vinita
Treasurer- Lisa Washam, D, Vinita
Assessor- Kelli Beisley Minson, D, Vinita
Election Board Secretary- Debbie Davenport, D, Centralia
Commissioners:
District 1- Roy Bible, D, Centralia
District 2- Hugh Gordon, D, Bluejacket
District 3- Dan Peetoom, D, Vinita
