Foss, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Foss, Oklahoma
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Location of Foss shown in Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Washita |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.74 sq mi (1.91 km2) |
| • Land | 0.74 sq mi (1.91 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,621 ft (494 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 101 |
| • Density | 137.23/sq mi (52.96/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
73647
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| Area code(s) | 580 |
| FIPS code | 40-27450 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412645 |
Foss is a small town located in Washita County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's a quiet place with a rich history. In 2010, the town had a population of 151 people. This was a bit more than the 127 people who lived there in 2000. By 2020, the population was 101.
Contents
History of Foss
The story of Foss began in the late 1890s. Settlers from a nearby area called Wilson decided to move. They traveled about four miles north to a valley near Turkey Creek.
Early Days and a New Name
The settlers wanted their new post office to be named Graham. However, another town already had that name. So, they chose Maharg instead. This name is "Graham" spelled backward! The post office opened on September 15, 1900.
The Great Flood of 1902
A terrible flash flood hit the town on May 2, 1902. The flood wiped out many businesses. Sadly, several people also drowned. After this disaster, the town was rebuilt. This time, it was built on higher ground to be safer. The new town was named Foss.
Growth and Challenges
Foss grew very quickly after it was rebuilt. By 1905, between 900 and 1000 people lived there. The town had two banks and three cotton gins (machines that separate cotton fibers). By 1912, Foss even had its own electric plant. There were also two hotels and an opera house. Factories in Foss made things like hay balers, baby carriages, and brooms.
However, the town's population soon settled around 500 people. In the 1920s, Foss started to face economic problems. Larger nearby cities like Clinton and Elk City began to attract more trade. During the Great Depression, even more people moved away from Foss.
World War II and Route 66
During World War II, Foss still had over 300 residents. The town relied on travelers using Route 66. This famous highway passed about half a mile south of Foss. A U.S. naval base also operated south of the town during the war. A filling station and a café were open in Foss at that time.
Decline and Modern Times
In the 1950s and 1960s, Foss saw a small economic boost. This was because of the nearby Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base at Burns Flat. But when the air base closed, and Interstate 40 was built, it bypassed Foss. This caused the town to decline even more. The last bank in Foss closed in September 1977.
Foss used to have two local newspapers: the Foss Enterprise and the Foss Banner. It was also served by the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad. The Enterprise newspaper stopped publishing in the 1930s.
Geography of Foss
Foss is located in a flat area of Oklahoma. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers a total area of 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2). All of this area is land, with no water.
Location and Roads
Foss is easy to find because it sits right where Interstate 40 and Oklahoma State Highway 44 meet. These are important roads for travel in the region.
Nearby Natural Areas
About 6 miles north of Foss, you can find Foss State Park. This park is on Foss Reservoir, a large body of water. The Washita National Wildlife Refuge is also located at the north end of Foss Reservoir. These places offer opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 525 | — | |
| 1920 | 348 | −33.7% | |
| 1930 | 524 | 50.6% | |
| 1940 | 306 | −41.6% | |
| 1950 | 210 | −31.4% | |
| 1960 | 289 | 37.6% | |
| 1970 | 150 | −48.1% | |
| 1980 | 188 | 25.3% | |
| 1990 | 143 | −23.9% | |
| 2000 | 127 | −11.2% | |
| 2010 | 151 | 18.9% | |
| 2020 | 101 | −33.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Foss has changed a lot over the years. In 1910, there were 525 people living there. By 2020, the population had decreased to 101 people.
Population Details (2000 Census)
In the year 2000, there were 127 people living in Foss. These people lived in 55 different households. About 38 of these households were families. The town had 69 housing units in total.
The average household in Foss had about 2.31 people. The average family had about 2.84 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 23.6% of the people were under 18 years old. About 11.8% were 65 years old or older. The median age in Foss was 39 years. This means half the people were younger than 39, and half were older.
Economy
In the early 1900s, Foss was a very important center for farming. It was a place where farmers would bring their crops and goods. Over time, its importance as a farming hub has lessened. However, Foss still remains a small agricultural center today.
See also
In Spanish: Foss (Oklahoma) para niños
