Historical Markers in Tillman County, Oklahoma
Oklahoma became the 46th state in the United States on November 16, 1907, making it one of the youngest states in the country.
Tillman County is located in southwestern Oklahoma and has a rich and varied history. The area that is now Tillman County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. These tribes lived on the open plains and relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. In the late 19th century, European settlers began to move into the area, leading to conflicts with the Native American tribes and the eventual establishment of reservations.
The town of Frederick, which is the county seat of Tillman County, was founded in 1901 when the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad built a line through the area. The town quickly grew and became an important center for trade and agriculture. Frederick played a significant role in the development of the region's cotton industry and became known as the "Cotton Capital of the World." The discovery of oil in the nearby Burkburnett field further fueled the town's growth and prosperity.
During World War II, Frederick became home to the Frederick Army Airfield, which was used for pilot training. The airfield played a crucial role in training pilots for combat and contributed to the war effort. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned, but the town continued to thrive, with agriculture and oil remaining major industries in the county.
Today, Tillman County is a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil and gas, and small businesses. The county's rich history is evident in its numerous historical sites and landmarks, including the original Frederick Army Airfield hangar, which has been restored and turned into a museum. Tillman County continues to be a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic growth.
The town of Frederick, which is the county seat of Tillman County, was founded in 1901 when the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad built a line through the area. The town quickly grew and became an important center for trade and agriculture. Frederick played a significant role in the development of the region's cotton industry and became known as the "Cotton Capital of the World." The discovery of oil in the nearby Burkburnett field further fueled the town's growth and prosperity.
During World War II, Frederick became home to the Frederick Army Airfield, which was used for pilot training. The airfield played a crucial role in training pilots for combat and contributed to the war effort. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned, but the town continued to thrive, with agriculture and oil remaining major industries in the county.
Today, Tillman County is a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil and gas, and small businesses. The county's rich history is evident in its numerous historical sites and landmarks, including the original Frederick Army Airfield hangar, which has been restored and turned into a museum. Tillman County continues to be a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic growth.
- 1907: Tillman County was established after the Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory were combined to form the state of Oklahoma.
- Early 1900s: Settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming.
- 1910: The town of Frederick became the county seat of Tillman County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hit the county hard, leading to agricultural struggles and economic challenges.
- 1940s: Tillman County played a significant role in World War II, with the Frederick Army Air Field serving as a training center for pilots.
- 1950s: The county experienced a period of growth and development, with improvements in infrastructure and the establishment of new businesses.
- 1970s: The agricultural industry evolved as farmers adopted new technologies and practices.
- 1990s: Tillman County faced challenges due to droughts and changes in the agricultural economy.
- 2000s: Efforts were made to diversify the county's economy and attract new industries.