Eufaula, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eufaula, Oklahoma
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Images of Eufaula. Left to right by row: Aerial View of Eufaula, Foley Building Dome, Historic Downtown Eufaula.
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| Motto(s):
"Where Pride Creates Progress"
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Location of Eufaula shown in Oklahoma
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 Eufaula, Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | McIntosh |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.63 sq mi (24.94 km2) |
| • Land | 6.59 sq mi (17.07 km2) |
| • Water | 3.04 sq mi (7.87 km2) |
| Elevation | 610 ft (190 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,766 |
| • Density | 419.60/sq mi (162.00/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-06:00 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-05:00 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
74432, 74461
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| Area code(s) | 539/918 |
| FIPS code | 40-24650 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410459 |
| Website | cityofeufaulaok.com |
Eufaula is a city in Oklahoma, United States. It is the main town of McIntosh County. In 2020, about 2,766 people lived there. Eufaula is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of McAlester. It is also 32 miles (51 km) south of Muskogee.
The city's name, Eufaula, comes from the Eufaula tribe. This tribe was part of the Muscogee Creek Confederacy. The town and county are now part of the Muscogee Nation. This nation is made up of the descendants of the tribe. They were moved to this area in the 1830s.
Contents
History of Eufaula
The Muscogee people lived in a large area in what is now Georgia and Alabama. They had a village called Eufala. This village was near where Talladega, Alabama is today. Other similar villages were also named Eufaula.
In 1832, the U.S. Government made the Creek people move. They had to leave their lands in the Southeast. They moved to a new area called Indian Territory. Eufaula became an important meeting place for the Creek people there. They held many conferences in this area.
In the 1870s, Creek leaders helped bring the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway (KATY) to the area. The old Creek village moved to be near the railroad station. This helped the town grow.
Eufaula, in Indian Territory, started to attract new settlers. This happened after the KATY railroad station opened in 1872. The town was named Eufaula after the old Muscogee tribal town in Alabama. By 1898, Eufaula became an official town.
Early businesses included stores opened by D. B. Whitlow and Joseph Coody. Dr. W. H. Bailey was the first doctor and pharmacist. A Presbyterian missionary named Rev. R. C. McGee started one of the first churches. The Asbury Mission School was an important school nearby for many years.
Eufaula in the 20th Century
After Oklahoma became a state, Eufaula was part of the new McIntosh County. There was a disagreement between Eufaula and Checotah. This was called the McIntosh County Seat War. It happened between 1907 and 1909. The state wanted Checotah to be the county seat. But Eufaula refused to give up the county records.
Armed men from Checotah tried to take the records. But Eufaula residents fought back. Eufaula was later chosen as the permanent county seat.
Education in Eufaula
Early settlers built a school in Eufaula. They started a free school by collecting money from people. Later, Eufaula began to build a public school system. They also made other public improvements.
In the early 1900s, Eufaula had paved streets and many new buildings. These included five brick schoolhouses and seven churches. There was also a cotton oil mill and a light and ice plant. The city had parks, a water system, and banks. A boarding school for Creek Nation girls was also built.
Jefferson Highway Bridge
The Jefferson Highway was an important road. When it first came through Eufaula, people crossed the South Canadian River by ferry. This was about four miles from town.
The people of Eufaula built the Jefferson Highway Bridge. It cost almost a quarter of a million dollars. When it opened in 1920, it was very expensive. This bridge helped travelers and trade. The bridge is no longer there. The area changed when Lake Eufaula was built.
Historic Places in Eufaula
Eufaula has several historic places. The historic Eufaula Business District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places listings in McIntosh County, Oklahoma. This means it is a special place with historical importance. It includes buildings on Main Street.
The McIntosh County Courthouse is also on the National Register. It is a three-story red brick building. It is a good example of how public buildings were designed back then. Other historic sites include the C.L. Cooper Building and the Eufaula Armory. The First Soil Conservation District Dedication Site is also important.
Geography
Eufaula covers about 9.6 square miles (24.9 square kilometers). About 6.6 square miles (17.1 square kilometers) is land. The rest, about 3.0 square miles (7.8 square kilometers), is water.
Population
In 2020, Eufaula had a population of 2,766 people.
Parks and Recreation
Lake Eufaula is right next to the city. It is the largest lake in Oklahoma that is completely within the state. The lake was created by the Eufaula Dam. Standing Rock, a historical monument, is now under the lake's water.
Eufaula has parks and recreation areas. Old Creek Town Park has a playground and picnic areas. The Eufaula Community Center has meeting rooms and a pool.
The city also hosts an annual fireworks show on Lake Eufaula for the Fourth of July.
Media
The Indian Journal newspaper first came out in 1876. It is now called The Eufaula Indian Journal. It is the oldest newspaper in Oklahoma that has been published without stopping.
Alexander Posey, a famous poet and writer, was an editor for the Indian Journal. He wrote his Fus Fixico Letters there. These letters talked about politics in the Creek Nation. This was the only daily Indian newspaper at that time.
Transportation
Eufaula is served by U.S. Route 69 and Oklahoma State Highway 9.
The KI BOIS Area Transit System (KATS) serves Eufaula. This bus service helps people get to places like grocery stores and doctor's offices.
The Eufaula Municipal Airport was built in 1965. It has a runway that is 3,000 feet (914 meters) long. Small planes and helicopters can use this airport.
Notable People
- Tsianina Redfeather Blackstone: A singer and activist from Eufaula.
- Hurshul Clothier: A musician who played big band and country music.
- George W. Grayson: A leader of the Creek Nation.
- Donna J. Nelson: A chemistry professor and science advisor for Breaking Bad.
- Alexander Posey: A poet, writer, and editor.
- Clyde Stacy: An American rockabilly singer.
Sports
Many athletes have ties to Eufaula:
- J. C. Watts: Played college and professional football. He later served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Andy Livingston: Played football for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
- Warren Livingston: Played football for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Dewey Selmon: Played football for the University of Oklahoma and in the NFL.
- Lee Roy Selmon: Played football for the University of Oklahoma and in the NFL.
- Lucious Selmon: Played college football for the University of Oklahoma and in the World Football League.
Images for kids
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C. E. Foley
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Alexander Posey
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Harmon Davis playing steel guitar
See also
In Spanish: Eufaula (Oklahoma) para niños
