Kingfisher College
Historical marker location:
Kingfisher, Oklahoma
( Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 33 and Bowman Avenue, on the left when traveling west on State Highway 33.)
Marker installed: 1958
The Congregationalists founded the Kingfisher College in 1890. When the school closed in 1922, its endowment was transferred to the University of Oklahoma to fund the Kingfisher Chair of Religion and Ethics
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Oklahoma is the only state in the United States whose name is derived from a Native American word. "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people."
About Kingfisher County
Kingfisher County Timeline
Kingfisher County, located in central Oklahoma, has a rich and interesting history that is closely intertwined with the development and settlement of the state. The area where Kingfisher County is located was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. However, with the Land Run of 1889, individuals from across the country rushed to claim their own parcels of land, leading to the rapid settlement of the area.
In the late 19th century, Kingfisher County quickly became an essential agricultural center. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming and ranching. Wheat and cotton were some of the main crops grown in the county, and significant livestock operations were established. The county also experienced considerable industrial growth, with the construction of flour mills, grain elevators, and other essential infrastructure.
The town of Kingfisher, which serves as the county seat, played a central role in the growth and development of the county. It was named after the nearby Kingfisher Creek, which itself was named after the native kingfisher bird. The city quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, with numerous businesses and services catering to the needs of the growing population. The county and town continued to thrive into the 20th century, with the discovery of oil in the 1920s bringing a new wave of prosperity.
Today, Kingfisher County retains its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern industries such as energy production and manufacturing. The county is also home to popular recreational areas, such as the Canton Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Kingfisher Golf Course, attracting visitors from both near and far. Kingfisher County's rich history and diverse economic landscape have contributed to its status as an important and vibrant community in Oklahoma.
In the late 19th century, Kingfisher County quickly became an essential agricultural center. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming and ranching. Wheat and cotton were some of the main crops grown in the county, and significant livestock operations were established. The county also experienced considerable industrial growth, with the construction of flour mills, grain elevators, and other essential infrastructure.
The town of Kingfisher, which serves as the county seat, played a central role in the growth and development of the county. It was named after the nearby Kingfisher Creek, which itself was named after the native kingfisher bird. The city quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, with numerous businesses and services catering to the needs of the growing population. The county and town continued to thrive into the 20th century, with the discovery of oil in the 1920s bringing a new wave of prosperity.
Today, Kingfisher County retains its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern industries such as energy production and manufacturing. The county is also home to popular recreational areas, such as the Canton Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Kingfisher Golf Course, attracting visitors from both near and far. Kingfisher County's rich history and diverse economic landscape have contributed to its status as an important and vibrant community in Oklahoma.
Kingfisher County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kingfisher County, Oklahoma.
- 1890: Kingfisher County established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1892: The land run of 1892 leads to a significant increase in population in the county.
- 1895: The town of Kingfisher becomes the county seat.
- 1901: The first oil well is drilled in the county, marking the beginning of the oil industry.
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county's agricultural and oil industries.
- 1940s: The construction of military bases, such as the Kingfisher Aerial Gunnery School, provides an economic boost to the county.
- 1980s: The county experiences an oil boom, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1993: The 1897 Kingfisher County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2000s: The wind energy industry begins to expand in the county.
- 2018: Kingfisher County celebrates its 125th anniversary.