Eubanks, Oklahoma facts for kids

Eubanks was once a small community in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It was located about 13 miles north of a town called Antlers. Today, Eubanks is considered a "ghost town" because it no longer exists as an active community.

What Was Eubanks?

Eubanks was named after William Eubanks, who was a local lumberman. A United States Post Office was opened there on February 26, 1907, when the area was still known as Indian Territory. This post office served the community for many years before it closed on April 30, 1934.

The Railroad's Big Role

Building the Frisco Line

In the 1880s, a major railroad company called the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, often known as the “Frisco” railroad, built a railway line. This line stretched from north to south through the Choctaw Nation. It connected Fort Smith, Arkansas, with Paris, Texas. The railroad tracks followed the Kiamichi River for a long way, especially in what is now Pushmataha County.

Why Train Stations Were Important

Train stations were built every few miles along the railway. These stations helped open up the land for settlement and development. They were also important because they were where "section houses" were located. People called supervisors lived in these section houses. Their job was to manage and maintain their specific miles of the railroad tracks. The stations also had water stops where trains could refill their water tanks.

Eubanks' Location Advantage

The spot for Eubanks was chosen because it was very close to the Kiamichi River. This river provided plenty of water, which was essential for the trains and the people living there. Other train stops were also set up nearby, both to the north and south of Eubanks.

Life in Early Eubanks

Who Lived There?

Before the railroad came, the area was not very crowded. It was known as Jack’s Fork County within the Choctaw Nation, which was part of the Indian Territory. This land was home to Choctaw Indians. They lived by farming or finding food directly from the land.

How People Traveled

In those days, there were very few roads or trails. The Frisco Railroad was the main way to travel and transport goods. It offered six trains every day—three going in each direction. This passenger service continued until the late 1950s. After that, the railroad only carried freight (goods) until 1981, when it closed completely. The tracks were then removed. The end of passenger train service happened around the same time that Oklahoma State Highway 2 was built, providing a new way for people to travel.