Mulhall

History

The town began as a railroad station for the Santa Fe railroad, and was originally named Alfred, for the son of an attorney. The town is named for Zach Mulhall, father of Lucille Mulhall, who was the first official 'cowgirl' to actually compete against men in rodeo events and win.{{efn|Zach Mulhall (1847-1931) was a local rancher, railway livestock agent and Wild West show proprietor. He was elected mayor of the town in 1890. Zach Mulhall hosted his own show for many years across the country, with Lucille starring in those shows along with her siblings. Zach and the Mulhall family were also friends with the Miller Brothers of 101 Ranch Fame in nearby Ponca City and often performed with them and shared talent for their shows when needed. Will Rogers and Tom Mix were also integral parts of the early years of the shows and Will (then performing under the stage name, "The Cherokee Kid}") is credited with teaching Lucille how to twirl-another talent for which she was known. Carrie Nation visited Mulhall in 1901 to tell the town saloons about the evils of liquor and warning that she would return. The town immediately ordered the saloon out of business. On March 12, 2021, the restaurant was purchased by new owners and is being reopened under the name Lucille's Chuckwagon on May 20, 2021. The Methodist church also survived, and is pictured behind the old Mulhall School.

Geography

Mulhall is north of Guthrie. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land.

Race & ethnicity