Tom Mix was born in Mix Run, Pennsylvania in 1880. His father worked with horses, so this gave Tom Mix the opportunity to learn about horses at an early age. He became a great horseman. He served in the Spanish-American War. 

     He came to Dewey, Oklahoma in 1909 after meeting Olive Stokes. She married Tom Mix and was his third wife. This union produced a daughter, Ruth Mix. While in Dewey he served briefly as town marshal. He also worked on a local cattle ranch. His skill with horses secured Tom Mix work in a movie being filmed near Dewey. That was the beginning of his movie career. He made over 300 movie films, mostly silent. He made a few “talkies” films after sound was added to filmmaking.

     The Tom Mix Museum opened June 1, 1968. Today it is owned by the Oklahoma State Historical Society and is managed by contract with the Tom Mix Museum Board of Directors, Inc.. a local group.