Delaware County, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delaware County
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Delaware County Courthouse
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Location within the U.S. state of Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Oklahoma |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Named for | Delaware Indians |
| Seat | Jay |
| Largest city | Grove |
| Area | |
| • Total | 792 sq mi (2,050 km2) |
| • Land | 738 sq mi (1,910 km2) |
| • Water | 54 sq mi (140 km2) 6.8%% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 40,397 |
| • Density | 51.01/sq mi (19.694/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
Delaware County is a county in the state of Oklahoma. In 2020, about 40,397 people lived there. Its main town, or county seat, is Jay.
The county got its name from the Delaware Indians. They had a village in the area before the Cherokee people moved there in the 1830s. Delaware County was officially created in 1907. Before that, much of the area was known as the Delaware District of the Cherokee Nation. Even today, the Cherokee Nation still recognizes it as the Delaware District.
Contents
History of Delaware County
Archaeologists have found signs that different groups of ancient people lived in Delaware County. These include 23 Archaic sites, 17 Woodland sites, and 63 Eastern Villager sites. Some tools and items found are between 1,400 and 2,000 years old. Many of these old sites are now underwater because of Grand Lake o' the Cherokees.
Few Native Americans lived in the area until the early 1800s. This is when the U.S. government started moving tribes from the Eastern United States. Around 1820, a group of Delaware people settled Delaware Town. This town was about two miles south of where Eucha is today. In 1828, the Western Cherokee moved into the area just south of present-day Delaware County. Then, in 1832, the Seneca tribe moved from Ohio into the northeastern part of the county.
How Delaware County Was Formed
Delaware County was created in 1907 when Oklahoma became a state. At first, Grove was chosen as the county seat. Grove was the only official town in the county at that time.
However, many people wanted the county seat to be more in the middle of the county. So, they started a new town called Jay. They built a wooden courthouse there and won an election to move the county seat. A court case settled the argument, and Jay became the official county seat.
Geography and Waterways
Delaware County covers about 792 square miles. About 738 square miles are land, and 54 square miles are water. This means about 6.8% of the county is water. The county is on the western side of the Ozark Plateau. There are no major oil, gas, or mineral resources here. However, the county has plenty of water.
Important Lakes and Rivers
Lake Eucha is a man-made lake finished in 1952. It is mostly within Delaware County. Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, completed in 1940, and Lake Spavinaw, completed in 1924, are also partly in the county.
The Neosho River and the Elk River flow through the northern part of the county. Flint Creek and the Illinois River drain the southern part.
Major Roads in the County
U.S. Highway 59
U.S. Highway 60
U.S. Highway 412
State Highway 10
State Highway 20
State Highway 25
State Highway 28
Neighboring Counties
- Ottawa County (north)
- McDonald County, Missouri (northeast)
- Benton County, Arkansas (east)
- Adair County (south)
- Cherokee County (south)
- Mayes County (west)
- Craig County (northwest)
People of Delaware County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 11,469 | — | |
| 1920 | 13,868 | 20.9% | |
| 1930 | 15,370 | 10.8% | |
| 1940 | 18,592 | 21.0% | |
| 1950 | 14,734 | −20.8% | |
| 1960 | 13,198 | −10.4% | |
| 1970 | 17,767 | 34.6% | |
| 1980 | 23,946 | 34.8% | |
| 1990 | 28,070 | 17.2% | |
| 2000 | 37,077 | 32.1% | |
| 2010 | 41,487 | 11.9% | |
| 2020 | 40,397 | −2.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010 |
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In 2010, there were 41,487 people living in Delaware County. This was an increase from 37,077 people in 2000. The county had about 50 people per square mile. There were 22,290 homes, with about 30 homes per square mile.
Most people in the county were White (70.22%). A large number were also Native American (22.31%). Other groups included Black or African American (0.13%), Asian (0.17%), and Pacific Islander (0.04%). About 6.53% of people were from two or more races. People who identified as Hispanic or Latino made up 1.75% of the population.
Most people (93.8%) spoke English at home. About 3.5% spoke Cherokee, and 2.3% spoke Spanish. By 2020, the county's population had slightly decreased to 40,397.
In 2010, about 29% of homes had children under 18 living there. Most homes (59.5%) were married couples. About 24% of all homes had people living alone. The average age in the county was 41 years old.
Communities in Delaware County
Cities
Towns
Other Communities (Census-designated places)
Other Unincorporated Communities
Historic Sites in Delaware County
Delaware County and Ottawa County (to the north) are very important for tourism in Oklahoma. Together, they are the third most popular tourist spot in the state. Only the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas attract more visitors.
The following places in Delaware County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Bassett Grove Ceremonial Grounds, Grove
- Beattie's Prairie, Jay
- Corey House/Hotel, Grove
- Hildebrand Mill, Siloam Springs
- Polson Cemetery, Jay
- Saline Courthouse, Rose
- Splitlog Church, Grove
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Delaware (Oklahoma) para niños
