Nestled along the banks of the historic Cimarron River below towering gypsum bluffs lies Oklahoma’s smallest “Certified City” Freedom.  From its earliest beginnings, this tiny town has gained a big reputation for its unique ability to persevere.  Freedom’s existence actually began five miles north of its present location, but when a railroad linking two neighboring towns was completed in the year 1918, Freedom’s residents simply packed up their town and moved by wagon to the present location.

Today, visitors to Freedom are astounded by the lingering presence of the “old west”, as nearly every building in the downtown area is fronted with native cedar wood in designs typical of an early day cowtown.  Just to the south of Freedom amidst a series of deep, rugged canyons inhabited by Indians and outlaws years ago, is Alabaster Caverns State Park.  The caves serve as a summer refuge for over one million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats that can be viewed emerging in mass for their nightly insect feeding.  Just west of Freedom the Cimarron River has created one of Oklahoma’s largest natural salt deposits.  In the rolling grasslands to the north of Freedom is a remote and lonely site known as the Salt Haulers Grave.  A crude, hand-carved stone marks the burial site of two unfortunate cowboys, who were apparent victims of one of American history’s last known Indian raids.

Freedom’s population swells to about twenty-five times its normal size the third week-end of August each year as local residents and volunteers stage the annual Freedom Open Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion.  This annual event has been recognized as one of the more outstanding activities in the state of Oklahoma.  The week-end long action includes nightly rodeos and western music and dancing, and on Saturday of rodeo week-end a free chuck-wagon feed and fine western art and country crafts show are held in downtown Freedom.  Saturday afternoon will find visitors anxiously awaiting the performance of the “Great Freedom Bank-Robbery and Shoot-Out”, which is a melodramatic farce put on by local residents.

Downtown Freedom abounds with interesting attractions which include the museum, Cimarron Cowboy’s Monument, Veterans’ Memorial, an old jail-house and numerous building murals.   The cowtown atmosphere, the beautiful vistas and the genuine hospitality of the people all join to make Freedom an unforgettable place to visit and a wonderful place to live.  Freedom truly is a town as unique as its name!