Belzoni, Oklahoma facts for kids

Belzoni is a small community located in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's found a few miles southwest of a town called Rattan. Long ago, Belzoni was a busy and successful place. Even though it's quieter now, its name is still used on maps.

Discovering Belzoni

Belzoni was founded when the Choctaw Nation was still a self-governing group. People from mostly Southern states came to settle here. The area quickly grew into a successful farming center. It became an important place for people to live and work.

A Growing Community

A big sign of Belzoni's success was when a United States Post Office opened there. This happened on October 20, 1905. At that time, the area was known as Indian Territory. Having a post office meant Belzoni was an important and growing community.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, farming became less common in Pushmataha County. This change also affected Belzoni. The community started to shrink. It lost its role as a main population center to nearby Rattan. Because fewer people lived there, the post office eventually closed on October 31, 1954.

The Impact of Hugo Lake

In the 1970s, a new lake called Hugo Lake was built. This lake was created on the Kiamichi River. When the lake filled up, it covered much of the rich farmland south of Belzoni. It also submerged a well-known local spot along the river. This spot was called the "Belzoni Narrows."

Why the Name Belzoni?

Belzoni was named after a famous person named Giovanni Battista Belzoni. He was an Italian explorer and archaeologist. People sometimes called him "The Great Belzoni." He was well-known for finding and studying ancient Egyptian historical sites. These included the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Belzoni Before Oklahoma Became a State

Before Oklahoma officially became a state, Belzoni was part of Cedar County, Choctaw Nation. This county was also part of a larger area called the Apukshunnubbee District. This shows how the area was organized by the Choctaw Nation long ago.