Downstream Casino, OK - 04/13/21

Downstream Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma. The Quapaw Leadership's decision to build a truly upscale state-of-the-art Casino Resort in 2008 has proven to be the gem of the four states to this date.

Quapaw is a town in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. The population was 906 at the 2010 census.

The word "O-Gah-Pah" was chosen to represent how the Quapaw People say "Quapaw" in the Quapaw language, and can be translated to mean "Downstream People."

In 1891 Kansas farmer Isaac Bingham moved his family south into Ottawa County. The family established a community and opened several businesses. Quapaw Chief John Quapaw donated land for a community school. The Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad established a railroad stop and siding at the community location. This established access to markets for hay and agricultural products of the area. A post office was opened in the community grocery store in 1897.

The community leaders platted "New Town Quapaw," on land to the east purchased from native Harry Whitebird. This "new" town was incorporated in 1917 as Quapaw. Discovery of lead and zinc ores in the area resulted in this area being part of the Tri-State mining district, and resulted in a population boom as thousands of miners moved into the larger area. Native Americans were generally excluded from mining, although the county had a significant proportion from several federally recognized tribes. With the population and economic boom, new businesses were developed. The 1920 census listed 1,394 residents. In the 1920s U. S. Route 66 was developed through Quapaw and was paved through Ottawa County by 1933. This event was celebrated with Quapaw Chief Victor Griffin laying a zinc tablet in the center of Main Street.

Quapaw began to lose residents as the local mining operations began to decline. The population declined to 1,054 by 1940 and as mining activity in the area declined, the population dropped to 850 in 1960.

 

Travel Itinerary:
04/13/21 - Tuesday
Depart From: Amarillo, TX
Depart: 10:30 am
Odometer: 139,617
Arrive: 8:00 pm
Odometer: 140,080
Trip Mileage: 463
Trip Time: 9 hr 30 min

Destination:
Downstream Casino Resort
69300 East New Rd
Quapaw, OK
GPS: 36.92100, -94.83570
Google Maps: 459 miles - 6 hr 34 min
Campsite: RV parking site
Cost: Free

Gas Expense:
None

Comments:
Very nice place to spend the night.
RV parking separate from truck parking.
Free shuttlebus service to casino.
Nice area for walk with your dog.
No Toll fees on I-40 from Amarillo, TX to Oklahoma City, OK.