Sapulpa's Greatest Comeback: From Railroad Town to Route 66 Icon

In 1928, Sapulpa endured what author Kirby Davis dubbed "The Great Divorce" when the Frisco Railroad relocated its operations to Tulsa. Overnight, the city lost its largest employer—and the industry that had defined its identity for nearly fifty years. As the young community was plunged into the hardships of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, its future seemed anything but certain. Yet, in a twist of history, the same automobile that helped diminish the railroad's dominance also gave Sapulpa a second chance. The arrival of Route 66 through the heart of town ushered in a new era, transforming the struggling railroad community into a thriving stop along America's most famous highway. In today's episode, we welcome back Kirby Davis, the author of the 2-part series called "The Great Beckoning," about the rise of Sapulpa, the railroad, and Route 66. Buy "The Great Beckoning: Book One" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Beckoning-Story-Sapulpa-Ozark/dp/B0GYBK8TYX?crid=1XHPVBPHIRNHZ Buy "The Great Beckoning: Book Two" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Beckoning-Story-Sapulpa-Route/dp/B0GYKJDQ4S?crid=1XHPVBPHIRNHZ