Gene Autry, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene Autry, Oklahoma
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Location of Gene Autry, Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Carter |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.11 sq mi (10.65 km2) |
| • Land | 4.04 sq mi (10.47 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 843 ft (257 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 154 |
| • Density | 38.10/sq mi (14.71/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
73436
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| Area code(s) | 580 |
| FIPS code | 40-28950 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412674 |
Gene Autry is a small town in Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. In 2020, about 154 people lived there. This was just a few less than the 158 people counted in 2010. The town is part of the Ardmore area.
Contents
History of Gene Autry
How the Town Got Its Name
The town of Gene Autry has had many names over the years. It was first called "Lou" in 1883. This name was chosen by C.C. Henderson to honor his wife. At that time, the community was in an area known as Pickens County of the Chickasaw Nation. The Chickasaw Nation was a large area where the Chickasaw people lived.
Later in 1883, the town's name changed to "Dresden." Then, in 1887, it became "Berwyn." This name came from a town in Pennsylvania. Many towns along the Santa Fe railroad line in Oklahoma were renamed after places on the "Main Line" of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Why the Name Changed to Gene Autry
The town's name changed one last time on November 16, 1941, to "Gene Autry." This was done to honor the famous singer and movie star, Gene Autry. Even though Gene Autry was born in Texas, his family moved to Oklahoma when he was a baby. He grew up in towns like Achille and Ravia in southern Oklahoma.
Gene Autry also worked as a telegraph operator near Berwyn. A telegraph operator sent messages over long distances using Morse code. In 1939, he bought a large ranch called the Flying A Ranch near Berwyn. The town decided to honor him by changing its name.
About 35,000 people came to the special ceremony when the town was renamed. The event was even broadcast live on Autry's radio show, Melody Ranch. People hoped Autry would live on his ranch permanently. However, he joined the military in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He sold the ranch after the war.
Geography of Gene Autry
Where is Gene Autry Located?
Gene Autry is in the northeastern part of Carter County. To the north, it borders Murray County. A part of the city of Ardmore is next to Gene Autry on the east. This area includes the Ardmore Municipal Airport. The main part of Ardmore is about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Gene Autry. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is also located to the north.
Land and Water Features
The town covers a total area of about 4.1 square miles (10.7 km²). Most of this area, about 4.0 square miles (10.5 km²), is land. A small part, about 0.07 square miles (0.2 km²), is water. The town has grown quite a bit to the north since the year 2000. The Washita River flows through the northeast corner of the town. It moves southeast towards Lake Texoma, which is on the border with Texas.
Population and People
How Many People Live in Gene Autry?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 276 | — | |
| 1910 | 378 | 37.0% | |
| 1920 | 435 | 15.1% | |
| 1930 | 300 | −31.0% | |
| 1940 | 227 | −24.3% | |
| 1950 | 170 | −25.1% | |
| 1960 | 110 | −35.3% | |
| 1970 | 120 | 9.1% | |
| 1980 | 178 | 48.3% | |
| 1990 | 97 | −45.5% | |
| 2000 | 99 | 2.1% | |
| 2010 | 158 | 59.6% | |
| 2020 | 154 | −2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 99 people living in Gene Autry. These people lived in 46 households, with 25 of them being families. The town had about 363 people per square mile (140 per km²).
About 24% of the households had children under 18 living with them. Half of the households were married couples. About 37% of all households were made up of single people. Almost 20% of households had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household had about 2 people, and the average family had almost 3 people.
Age Groups in Town
In 2000, the population was spread out by age. About 20% of the people were under 18 years old. About 5% were between 18 and 24. The largest group, about 32%, was between 25 and 44 years old. About 26% were between 45 and 64, and 16% were 65 or older. The average age in the town was 40 years.
Arts and Culture
Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum
The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum is a special place in town. It shows things related to Gene Autry and his life. You can also learn about Western-themed entertainers and the local history of the area.
See also
In Spanish: Gene Autry (Oklahoma) para niños
