Abbott, Indian Territory facts for kids

Abbott was once a small community in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It was located about 11 miles northeast of a town called Antlers. Today, Abbott no longer exists.

What Was Abbott?

Abbott was a very short-lived community. It was created because of the busy logging industry in the area. This industry needed a way to ship timber, which is cut wood. Abbott had a special rail line, or "spur," that connected to the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway. This railway helped move the timber to other places.

Abbott Before Oklahoma Became a State

Before Oklahoma officially became a state, Abbott was part of a different area. It was located in Wade County. This county was part of the Moshulatubbee District of the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation was a large area governed by the Choctaw people.

The Post Office in Abbott

Abbott, which was then known as "Indian Territory," even had its own United States Post Office. This post office opened on March 3, 1897. However, it didn't stay open for very long. It closed just over two years later, on July 11, 1899.

Why Abbott Disappeared

Abbott was what people call a "boomtown." A boomtown is a community that grows very quickly, usually because of a sudden increase in business or industry. In Abbott's case, it was the logging industry. But boomtowns often disappear just as quickly when the main industry leaves or slows down. Since the logging industry moved on, Abbott faded away and is no longer there today.

You can find more information about Abbott at the Pushmataha County Historical Society.