Calvin, Oklahoma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Calvin, Oklahoma
Town
Location of Calvin, Oklahoma
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
County	Hughes
Area
• Total	0.90 sq mi (2.34 km2)
• Land	0.90 sq mi (2.33 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	751 ft (229 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	309
• Density	342.95/sq mi (132.44/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	74531
Area code(s)	405
FIPS code	40-11100
GNIS feature ID	2413151

Calvin is a small town located in Hughes County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's a place with a rich history, especially tied to the railroads and early settlements in Oklahoma. According to the 2020 census, about 309 people live there.

History of Calvin

How Calvin Started

The town of Calvin began in 1895. This happened when the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway (C O & G) built a new train line. This line connected McAlester (which was then in Indian Territory) and Oklahoma City (which was in Oklahoma Territory).

The community was first called "Riverview." This name came from its spot on the south side of the Canadian River. A post office named Riverview opened on March 21, 1895. John Wilbur was the first postmaster.

Changing the Name to Calvin

The town and its post office changed their name to Calvin in June 1895. This new name honored Calvin Perry, who owned the land there and was a member of the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation Town Site Commission then mapped out the area. They divided it into 350 lots, which were then sold.

Growth and Challenges

Around 1904, a big fire destroyed several businesses. It also burned down the Masonic Lodge on Canadian Street, which was the main street. But these buildings were quickly replaced with new ones made of brick. By 1905, Calvin had about 300 people.

Until the Great Depression, Calvin was a busy trading hub. Farmers from the area brought their crops and goods to sell there.

Railroads and Businesses

In 1906, J. W. Hundley opened a store. In 1907, he built a large building for his business. It was the biggest store in Hughes County at the time. A ferry boat helped people cross the Canadian River. This made it easier for farmers to bring their cotton to Calvin. They could then use the town's railroad connections.

Another railroad, the Missouri, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad (M, O & G), reached Calvin in 1909. By this time, Calvin was growing fast. It offered many services to the farming community around it. There were four cotton gins, eight general stores, two hotels, and many other businesses.

Geography of Calvin

Where Calvin is Located

Calvin is in the southern part of Hughes County, Oklahoma. It sits on the south bank of the Canadian River.

Major Roads Nearby

U.S. Route 75 runs just east of Calvin. If you go north on US 75, it's about 19 miles (31 km) to Wetumka. Going south, it's about 32 miles (51 km) to Coalgate.

U.S. Route 270 also comes from the north with US 75. But at Calvin, it turns east. From there, it's about 30 miles (48 km) to McAlester. Oklahoma State Highway 1 goes right through the middle of Calvin. It runs east with US 270 to McAlester and west about 31 miles (50 km) to Ada.

Town Size

The United States Census Bureau says that Calvin covers a total area of about 0.90 square miles (2.3 km2). All of this area is land.

Population of Calvin

How Many People Live Here

The number of people living in Calvin has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population counts from different years:

In the year 2000, there were 279 people living in Calvin. Most of the people were White (82.44%), and some were Native American (10.75%).

Education in Calvin

Students in Calvin attend schools that are part of the Calvin Public Schools school district.