Heart of the Mother Road
Quapaw, OK: America’s Hay Capital
Quapaw, OK: America’s Hay Capital
Couldn't load pickup availability
Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Quapaw Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends everyday comfort with the rural pride of Route 66. Featuring the bold "America's Hay Capital" slogan, it celebrates Quapaw, Oklahoma: the very first town you'll encounter when crossing into Oklahoma on the Mother Road. Known for its early 20th-century hay production, Quapaw stands as a symbol of America's agricultural roots and small-town spirit.
Perfect for Mother Road explorers, Route 66 history buffs, and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors Quapaw's dual legacy: its place in American farming and its deep ties to the Quapaw Nation. With a mix of historic industry, Native heritage, and roadside folklore, Quapaw's story is a memorable chapter in the Route 66 journey.
Celebrate Quapaw: a historic Route 66 stop in Ottawa County, remembered as America's Hay Capital, enriched by its Native roots, and forever linked to the eerie legend of the Spook Light. Quapaw's charm and heritage make it a unique gateway into Oklahoma's stretch of the Mother Road.
Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.
About Quapaw, Oklahoma: Gateway to Oklahoma on Route 66
Quapaw lies along the 1926-1985 alignment of Route 66 in Ottawa County, making it the first town travelers encounter when entering the state from Kansas. Founded in 1896 and named for the Quapaw Nation, who were forcibly relocated to this area in the 1830s, the town quickly grew into a hub of farming and mining. By the early 1900s, Quapaw earned national recognition as "America's Hay Capital," shipping vast quantities of hay across the region while also thriving on lead and zinc mining.
The town's connection to the Quapaw Nation remains central to its identity, with cultural centers and heritage programs preserving the traditions of the tribe. Visitors can learn about Native history and resilience while experiencing the community's role in shaping northeastern Oklahoma. The Quapaw Nation adds a vibrant cultural layer to the town's roadside reputation by hosting annual powwows. These four-day celebrations are filled with traditional dancing, competitive contests, vendors and an endless blend of Mother Road and Quapaw culture. This makes Quapaw far more than just a quick stop along Route 66.
Quapaw is also tied to one of Route 66's most enduring mysteries: the Hornet Spook Light. Often described as a glowing orb that dances near the Devil's Promenade just outside of town, the Spook Light has puzzled travelers and locals for more than a century.
Today, Route 66 explorers also stop at the Route 66 Rock historic marker near the town fire station, a local landmark that honors the Mother Road. With its location just a short drive from Joplin, MO, Quapaw offers travelers a mix of folklore, history, and small-town hospitality that keeps the spirit of Route 66 alive.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
Share
