The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture states that archaeological evidence indicates that humans first lived in this area in the Verdigris River valley over six thousand years ago.

[3] In the 17th century, white trappers first visiting the area found it occupied mostly by the Osage and Quapaw tribes.

It was recognized as Osage territory by the time United States secured it as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

[3] The exact origin is unknown, but the two most common stories are that railroad surveyors used the Delaware word noweta for welcome or that a sign was posted indicating that local springs had no water: No wata.

Creeks in the extreme western part of the county drain into the Caney River.

In 2019 the county government wanted the jail to be open even though there had been a carbon monoxide leak around three weeks prior.

[12] The county has renamed or renumbered many addresses so that emergency first responders will be better able to find locations from which 9-1-1 calls have been placed.

The following sites in Nowata County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: