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Fort Supply, Oklahoma
Artists Rendition of Fort Supply, 1869
Artists Rendition of Fort Supply, 1869
Location of Fort Supply, Oklahoma
Location of Fort Supply, Oklahoma
Country United States
State Oklahoma
County Woodward
Area
 • Total 0.21 sq mi (0.56 km2)
 • Land 0.21 sq mi (0.56 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
2,001 ft (610 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 317
 • Density 1,474.42/sq mi (569.19/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
73841
Area code(s) 580
FIPS code 40-27350
GNIS feature ID 2412643

Fort Supply is a small town in Woodward County, Oklahoma, United States. It is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of Woodward. Woodward is the main city in the county. In 2010, about 330 people lived in Fort Supply.

History of Fort Supply

Fort Supply has a rich history, starting as a military camp. It later became a town and is now home to important state facilities.

Early Military Camp (1868)

The United States Army set up a military post called Fort Supply in 1868. It was first known as a "Camp of Supply." This camp helped General Philip Sheridan during his winter campaign. This campaign was against the Southern Plains Native American tribes.

Founding the Town of Supply (1903)

In 1902, a town named Fitzgerald was started near the old Fort Supply site. However, this town did not last long. A rancher named H. H. Halsell sold land to James P. Gandy. Gandy was a lawmaker in the territory. In 1903, Gandy planned out a new town site. He named this new town Supply. Many buildings from the failed town of Fitzgerald were moved to Supply. The first post office for Supply opened on May 12, 1903. In its early years, Supply was a trading center for local farmers and ranchers.

Fort Supply Becomes a Hospital (1908)

In 1908, the old army post of Fort Supply was changed. It became the Western Oklahoma State Hospital. This was Oklahoma's first state-run hospital for mental health. It is also known as Western State Hospital or Fort Supply State Hospital.

Building Fort Supply Lake (1938-1942)

The Flood Control Act of 1936 allowed for a dam and reservoir to be built. This project was located about one mile southeast of the town. It was built in the valley of Wolf Creek. Work on this large earthen dam began in October 1938. Fort Supply Lake was finished in May 1942. The United States Army Corps of Engineers manages Fort Supply Lake. They also manage the nearby wildlife and recreation area.

Town Name Change (1943)

On May 1, 1943, the town and its post office changed their name. They became known as Fort Supply.

Modern Economy and Institutions

On December 6, 1988, a new prison was built near Fort Supply. This prison is called the William S. Key Correctional Center. It is located on the grounds of the former Fort Supply. The Western State Psychiatric Center also operates there. Farming and jobs at these state institutions are important for the town's economy.

Geography of Fort Supply

Fort Supply is a small town in terms of its land area. It is surrounded by natural features.

Land Area

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers about 0.2 square miles (0.56 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Nearby Natural Areas

Fort Supply Lake is located directly to the south of the town. To the east is the Hal & Fern Cooper Wildlife Management Area. This area covers 16,080 acres. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages it.

Climate Information

Climate data for Fort Supply, Oklahoma. (Elevation 2,030ft)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 86
(30)
92
(33)
95
(35)
99
(37)
105
(41)
110
(43)
110
(43)
111
(44)
108
(42)
98
(37)
91
(33)
86
(30)
110
(43)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 48.1
(8.9)
52.4
(11.3)
61.0
(16.1)
71.8
(22.1)
78.9
(26.1)
88.2
(31.2)
93.9
(34.4)
92.9
(33.8)
84.6
(29.2)
74.1
(23.4)
60.3
(15.7)
49.9
(9.9)
71.4
(21.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 20.5
(−6.4)
24.7
(−4.1)
32.7
(0.4)
43.8
(6.6)
54.1
(12.3)
64.0
(17.8)
68.6
(20.3)
66.8
(19.3)
57.8
(14.3)
45.6
(7.6)
32.1
(0.1)
23.3
(−4.8)
44.5
(6.9)
Record low °F (°C) −18
(−28)
−12
(−24)
−10
(−23)
17
(−8)
27
(−3)
35
(2)
48
(9)
40
(4)
29
(−2)
15
(−9)
1
(−17)
−13
(−25)
−18
(−28)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.60
(15)
1.00
(25)
1.71
(43)
1.94
(49)
3.72
(94)
3.40
(86)
2.43
(62)
2.63
(67)
2.10
(53)
2.03
(52)
1.12
(28)
0.84
(21)
23.53
(598)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.8
(7.1)
3.4
(8.6)
2.5
(6.4)
0.5
(1.3)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0.1
(0.25)
0.8
(2.0)
2.3
(5.8)
12.3
(31)
Source: The Western Regional Climate Center

Population of Fort Supply

The population of Fort Supply has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived there.

Population Changes Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 169
1920 231 36.7%
1930 230 −0.4%
1940 414 80.0%
1950 293 −29.2%
1960 394 34.5%
1970 550 39.6%
1980 559 1.6%
1990 369 −34.0%
2000 328 −11.1%
2010 330 0.6%
2020 317 −3.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 328 people living in Fort Supply. These people lived in 136 households. About 98 of these were families. The population density was about 1,458 people per square mile.

Community Life

In 2000, about 25.7% of households had children under 18. Most households (61.8%) were married couples. The average household had 2.41 people. The average family had 2.91 people. The median age in the town was 41 years old.

Historic Sites Near Fort Supply

There are important historic places located near Fort Supply. These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • The Cooper Bison Kill Site is a notable historic location.
  • The Fort Supply Historic District is also recognized for its historical importance.

See also

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