The Surrey With the Fringe on Top Exhibit

In the musical Oklahoma!, a young cowboy named Curly wins hearts — and turns heads — when he sings about a “surrey with the fringe on top.” That charming, horse-drawn carriage became one of the most iconic symbols in American musical theater.

But the story doesn’t just live onstage — it lives here in Claremore, Oklahoma, where the original surrey that inspired the famous song is on display. Once owned by local residents and later made famous through Rodgers and Hammerstein’s hit musical, the surrey captures the romance and optimism of early Oklahoma life — a time when open roads, Sunday drives, and young love filled the air.

When the film premiere of Oklahoma! was held in Tulsa, actress Shirley Jones brought the surrey to Claremore, where it became part of local history.

Lovingly restored and preserved, this beautiful carriage connects the worlds of history and art — bridging real Oklahoma life with the imagination of playwright Lynn Riggs, whose story inspired Oklahoma! itself.

Today, visitors can experience this piece of living history at the Claremore Museum of History, where the Surrey with the Fringe on Top Exhibit stands as a timeless tribute to the music, culture, and pride of Oklahoma.