Settlement began circa 1890, before Oklahoma became a state, and was part of the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory.

The local residents had to travel to either Afton or Vinita to either shop or get their mail.

[a] The Cleora post office was established in Lunday's store on November 28, 1900.

[5] The Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway (KO&G) built its main line through Cleora in 1910, apparently bringing prosperity in its wake.

Other businesses were a two-story hotel, lumber company, grain elevator and livery stable.

[5] When planning began for the Pensacola Dam and the Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, it was learned that much of the older sites would be inundated by the project.

[5] Cleora is located in northwestern Delaware County on the northwest side of the Grand Lake o' the Cherokees.

21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.