Pawhuska

Pawhuska is a city in and the county seat of Osage County, Oklahoma, United States. Located in the Osage Hills, the city is situated on the Bird Creek. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,006. Pawhuska serves as the principal administrative center of the Osage Nation, the federally recognized Native American tribe whose reservation once encompassed all of the present-day Osage County.

The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes before the Osage Nation was relocated to the region in the 19th century. Pawhuska was established in 1872 as the permanent capital of the Osage Nation, named after Chief Paw-Hiu-Skah (meaning "White Hair"). The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century and the discovery of oil on Osage land significantly boosted the city's development and prosperity, leading to the construction of many of its notable buildings.

Key landmarks in Pawhuska include the historic Osage Nation Museum, the Philmont Museum, and the imposing Osage County Courthouse. The city has experienced a resurgence in recent years, partly due to renewed interest in Osage history and culture, including the filming of the movie "Killers of the Flower Moon" in the area. Pawhuska's economy is a mix of tribal administration, oil and gas, agriculture, and a growing tourism sector focused on its unique history and heritage. The city hosts various cultural events throughout the year, celebrating Osage traditions and the history of the region.