Finley, Oklahoma facts for kids

Finley is a small community located in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. It is about 10 miles northeast of Antlers. Even though it's not an official city or town, it's a recognized place where people live and connect.

A Look Back: Finley's History

A United States Post Office was opened in Finley on April 30, 1903. The community was named after Sidney W. Finley, who was a local merchant and the very first postmaster. He was born in 1869 and passed away in 1914.

Before it was called Finley, the community had another name: Cedar Church. Sometimes it was called Old Cedar Church. This name came from a long-standing Choctaw Indian Methodist church that was located there. This church was established during the time when the area was known as Indian Territory. The church got its name from a nearby stream called Big Cedar Creek, which was then known simply as Cedar Creek. Over time, the church's influence may have lessened, which created an opportunity to rename the settlement after its first postmaster.

When Finley was first established, it was part of Jack's Fork County. This county was a section of the Pushmataha District within the Choctaw Nation.

Finley Today

Even though Finley no longer has its own school, it remains a strong and connected community. Residents often gather for events like cemetery clean-up days and community dinners. These events are usually held at the community center. Finley still has its own post office and a local store, which are important gathering places for the people who live there.