Edmond Station, Indian Territory
Historical marker location:The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad gave birth to Edmond, Oklahoma, in terms of location and name on April 22, 1889. During road construction it was known as Mile 103 or "Summit," a side stop on a high point (elev. 1198 feet) of the railway grade between the Cimarron and the North Canadian Rivers. On March 28, 1887, the stop was officially named "Edmond Station" for Edmond Burdick, the Santa Fe's traveling freight agent, and full train service began in June. The AT&SF's first coaling barn for the Unassigned Lands was located here. John N. Steen, the first permanent resident, completed the water well for the steam locomotives in May of 1888. The conical-covered well, pump house, water tower, depot, telegraph and express office that were along the railroad right-of-way from Third Street to north of west Second and the coaling barn near Fifth were "Edmond" before the land run. The name was retained by the '89ers who established the town around the station
Oklahoma is known as the "Sooner State" because of the land runs that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "Sooners" were people who snuck into the unassigned lands of the Oklahoma Territory before the official opening of the land runs. The term "Sooner" eventually became a nickname for people from Oklahoma.
In the 19th century, Oklahoma County became a part of the Indian Territory, a designated land for Native American tribes that had been forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. The arrival of European settlers during the Land Run of 1889 and the subsequent creation of the Oklahoma Territory marked a significant turning point in the history of the county.
During the early 20th century, Oklahoma County experienced rapid growth and development. The discovery of oil in the region during the 1920s led to an economic boom, attracting thousands of people to the area in search of employment opportunities. The county's population increased rapidly, and urbanization became more prevalent. The city of Oklahoma City, which is located within Oklahoma County, emerged as the capital of the state.
Despite the economic prosperity of the 1920s, Oklahoma County, like the rest of the country, was severely affected by the Great Depression. The oil industry suffered, leading to widespread unemployment and financial hardship. However, the county slowly recovered, and in the post-World War II era, it experienced a period of steady growth and modernization.
Today, Oklahoma County continues to be a dynamic and diverse region, both economically and culturally. It is home to a variety of industries, including energy, aerospace, and healthcare. The county also boasts numerous cultural and recreational attractions, such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the vibrant Bricktown district, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. As the most populous county in the state, Oklahoma County remains an important center for commerce, education, and entertainment in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.
- 1830s - Oklahoma County originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Plains Apache and Caddo
- 1889 - Land Run of 1889 opens Oklahoma Territory for settlement, prompting the establishment of Oklahoma County
- 1893 - First courthouse constructed in Oklahoma County
- 1904 - Statehood for Oklahoma, making Oklahoma County an official county within the state
- 1930s - During the Great Depression, Oklahoma County experiences economic challenges
- 1950s - Suburban growth and expansion in Oklahoma County
- 1995 - Oklahoma City bombing, a terrorist attack in downtown Oklahoma City, affects the county and the nation
- 2000s - Ongoing development, population growth, and urbanization in Oklahoma County