The name Okmulgee comes from a Creek Indian word meaning "boiling water."

Created at statehood from lands in the Creek Nation, Indian Territory, the county seat, Okmulgee, has been the capital of the Creek Nation since the Civil War.

The Indians chose the site in the belief that tornadoes would not strike the area and so far history has proven them correct.

Two local lakes furnish most of the water for the county.

Major highways are I-40, east-west, and S.H. 75, north-south. The Burlington Northern Railroad maintains a station for shipping.