Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

Aldridge Hotel Blackburn's Station Site Busby Office Building Busby Theatre Canadian Jail and Livery Stable Choate Cabin Cole Chapel School Federal Building and US Courthouse First Presbyterian Church Hokey's Drugstore International Temple, Supreme Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls L'Ouverture Gymnasium Lee, Jeff, Park Bath House and Pool Mass Grave of the Mexican Miners McAlester Armory McAlester Downtown Historic District McAlester DX McAlester House McAlester Scottish Rite Temple Mine Rescue Station (Additional Documentation) New State School OKLA Theater Perryville Pittsburg County Courthouse Pittsburg School and Gymnasium Rock Creek Bridge Saints Cyril and Methodius Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church St. Joseph's Catholic Church Tipton Ridge School Warden's House

Busby Office Building Dr. J. E. Wright German Castle Largest Lump of McAlester Coal Scottish Rite Temple Supreme Assembly, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Veterans Memorial William Mark Sexson Memorial

Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history influenced by various cultures and industries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, who were forcibly relocated to the region during the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s.

The county was officially established in 1907, the same year as Oklahoma gained statehood. It was named after the city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, a major center of the steel industry that played a significant role in the economic development of the area.

One of the major industries in the county was coal mining, which began in the late 19th century and thrived until the mid-20th century. The abundance of coal in the region attracted numerous mining companies and immigrant workers from Europe, particularly from Italy and Eastern Europe. The growth of the coal industry led to the establishment of numerous coal towns and the rapid urbanization of the area.

In the early 1900s, the county also experienced a boom in natural gas production, providing energy for both local industries and the state. This, coupled with the growth of the coal and railroad industries, led to Pittsburg County becoming a major economic hub in southeastern Oklahoma.

Today, Pittsburg County continues to be influenced by its diverse cultural heritage and historic industries. While the coal and natural gas industries have declined in recent years, the county has shifted its focus to other economic sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and opportunities for economic development, making it an important part of Oklahoma's history and future.

Brief timeline of the history of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma:

1850: Pittsburg County area inhabited by Choctaw Nation
1890: Land run attracts European American settlers
1907: Oklahoma declared state; Pittsburg County established
1910s: Coal mining industry grows rapidly
1920: Completion of railroad line boosts economy
1930s: Great Depression impacts coal mining industry
1940s: World War II brings economic growth to the county
1950s-1960s: Highways built for better transportation
1970s: Decline in coal mining industry
1980s-1990s: Diversification of economy; growth in healthcare and manufacturing sectors
2000s: Focus on eco-tourism and outdoor recreation as an economic driver

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

Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

National Register Listings 30

Historical Markers 8

Brief timeline of the history of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma: