The first permanent European settlement in Oklahoma was established by French fur traders in 1719 near present-day Spiro.
Garvin County, Oklahoma has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw Nation. European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, leading to conflicts between the Native American tribes and settlers. In 1830, the Indian Removal Act was passed, which forced the relocation of Native Americans from the region, including the Choctaw Nation.

In the late 1800s, the area that is now Garvin County experienced a significant boom with the discovery of oil. Oil wells were drilled, and numerous oil companies operated in the county, bringing great wealth and economic prosperity. The population grew rapidly as people from all over flocked to the area to find work in the oil industry.

Garvin County played a vital role during World War II, with the establishment of several military training facilities in the area. Camp Maxey, located near the town of Antlers, trained soldiers before their deployment overseas. Additionally, the county had a German Prisoner of War camp, where captured German soldiers were held.

In recent years, Garvin County has focused on diversifying its economy. Agriculture, particularly the production of cattle, has become an essential industry in the county. Additionally, the county has seen growth in tourism, with attractions like the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and Lake Murray State Park attracting visitors from all over. The county also has several educational institutions, including East Central University, further contributing to its development and growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Garvin County, Oklahoma.

  • 1890 - Garvin County was created after being carved out of the Chickasaw Nation.
  • 1891 - The county seat was established in Pauls Valley.
  • Early 1900s - The county experienced an oil boom, attracting many settlers and boosting the local economy.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hit Garvin County hard, leading to economic hardships for its residents.
  • 1940s - Garvin County contributed to the war effort during World War II by providing soldiers and supporting industries.
  • 1982 - The Garvin County Courthouse, a historic landmark, was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt.
  • Present - Garvin County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage.