Clearview Historic Town

Clearview is one of Oklahoma's historically Black towns and was founded during the period when African American settlers created communities that offered greater possibilities for land ownership, local government and economic independence. The town developed with homes, churches, schools and businesses serving Black residents in the surrounding agricultural region. Like many small rural communities, Clearview lost population over time as younger residents moved to larger cities and farm economies changed. Even so, the town's survival gives it exceptional historical value because so many other all-Black towns disappeared entirely. Visitors will find a living community rather than a reconstructed attraction. Churches, cemeteries, streets and community buildings provide the most direct connection to the past. Clearview is best understood as part of a statewide network that included Boley, Langston, Rentiesville, Tullahassee and others. Together these towns reveal an important chapter of Oklahoma history in which Black settlers pursued autonomy and civic life on their own terms.