Sapulpa is a city in northeast Oklahoma's Green Country that serves as the seat of Creek County, with a portion of the city extending into adjacent Tulsa County. It lies about 14 miles southwest of downtown Tulsa along Interstate 44 and the historic alignment of Route 66, positioning it as a small-city anchor within the Tulsa metropolitan area. With a population of about 22,000 recorded in the 2020 census, Sapulpa balances its own civic identity with ready access to the region's largest employment and cultural center. The city's history is tied to railroading and the development of Creek County. The county was established around Oklahoma statehood, and Sapulpa was designated its seat, a decision contested early on by supporters of nearby Bristow. The St. Louis–San Francisco Railway connected Sapulpa to Oklahoma City and the wider region, and the later arrival of Route 66 placed the city on one of America's most storied highways. That heritage remains visible in Sapulpa's restored downtown district, its vintage drive-in theater, an original 1926 road segment with a historic bridge, and the landmark world's tallest gas pump. Today Sapulpa functions as a family-oriented community of commuters, tradespeople, and long-time residents. Sapulpa Public Schools serve the city's students, and the parks and recreation department maintains eight parks, two city lakes, an aquatic center, a senior center, and sports fields across more than 325 acres. The economy draws on its position near Tulsa, local manufacturing and services, and the steady flow of Route 66 travelers. For people considering a move to the Tulsa area, Sapulpa offers a distinct blend: an authentic small-city downtown, Route 66 character, abundant local parks and water, and a short highway commute to Tulsa's jobs and amenities.