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Fairfield, Oklahoma facts for kids

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Fairfield, Oklahoma
Location within Adair County and the state of Oklahoma
Location within Adair County and the state of Oklahoma
Country United States
State Oklahoma
County Adair
Area
 • Total 4.98 sq mi (12.89 km2)
 • Land 4.96 sq mi (12.85 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation
1,181 ft (360 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 626
 • Density 126.18/sq mi (48.72/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CST)
FIPS code 40-24875
GNIS feature ID 2408103

Fairfield is a small community in Adair County, Oklahoma, United States. It's called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's an area that the U.S. Census Bureau identifies for statistics, but it's not officially a city or town with its own government. In 2020, about 626 people lived in Fairfield.

Fairfield's Early History

Fairfield has an interesting past that started with a mission. In 1832, a place called Mulberry Mission was founded in Arkansas. It was started by Dr. Marcus Palmer to help the Western Cherokees.

From Mulberry to Fairfield Mission

Mulberry Mission was a branch of a larger mission called Dwight Mission. When many Cherokee people were forced to move from their homes in the Southeast to what was then called Indian Territory, Dwight Mission also moved. It was then renamed Fairfield Mission.

The Fairfield Mission was located near Sallisaw Creek, about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Stilwell, Oklahoma. It even had a lending library with about 150 books! The mission closed in 1859. Today, no buildings from the mission are left. However, the mission's cemetery is still there and is now known as McLemore Cemetery.

Where is Fairfield Located?

Fairfield is in Adair County, Oklahoma. It's part of the beautiful landscape of eastern Oklahoma.

Fairfield's Size and Surroundings

According to historical records, Fairfield Mission was about 15 miles (24 km) from Evansville, Arkansas. It was also around 35 miles (56 km) from both Fort Smith and Fort Gibson.

Today, the entire area of Fairfield covers about 5.0 square miles (12.9 km2). Most of this area is land, but a small part, about 0.015 square miles (0.04 km2), is water.

Who Lives in Fairfield?

The United States Census Bureau collects information about people living in different places. This helps us understand the community better.

Population Changes Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
2020 626
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 367 people living in Fairfield. By 2010, the population had grown to 584 people. In the most recent census in 2020, the population was 626.

Community Makeup

In 2000, the people living in Fairfield came from different backgrounds. About 36.51% were White, and 49.05% were Native American. About 14.44% of the population identified as being from two or more races. A small percentage, 1.63%, were Hispanic or Latino.

Many households in Fairfield had children. About 44.9% of homes had kids under 18 living there. The average household had about 3 people.

Age Groups in Fairfield

The population of Fairfield includes people of all ages. In 2000, about 36.2% of the people were under 18 years old. About 8.2% were between 18 and 24, and 28.6% were between 25 and 44. People aged 45 to 64 made up 18.8% of the population, and 8.2% were 65 years or older. The average age in Fairfield was 29 years old.

Famous People from Fairfield

Fairfield is home to some talented individuals.

Mike Dart: Cherokee Basket Weaver

One notable person from Fairfield is Mike Dart. He is an award-winning contemporary Cherokee basket weaver. His work helps keep traditional Cherokee art forms alive.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fairfield (Oklahoma) para niños

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