Kellond, Oklahoma facts for kids

Kellond is a small place in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. It's not an official town, but it used to be a busy stop for trains. You can find Kellond about three miles northwest of Antlers, right on Oklahoma State Highway 2.

History of Kellond

The Frisco Railroad Arrives

Back in the 1880s, a big railroad company called the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, or "Frisco" for short, built a train line. This line stretched from north to south, going right through what was then called the Choctaw Nation. It connected Fort Smith, Arkansas to Paris, Texas. As the railroad moved through Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, it followed the Kiamichi River.

Why Train Stations Were Built

The Frisco Railroad built train stations every few miles along its new track. These stations were important for several reasons. They helped open up the land for people to settle. They also served as places for "section houses." These houses were where supervisors lived. Their job was to look after their part of the train track and make sure it was safe. The stations were also vital spots where trains could stop to get water for their steam engines.

Life in the Choctaw Nation

At that time, the area around Kellond was not very crowded. It was known as Jack’s Fork County, part of the Pushmataha District within the Indian Territory. Many Choctaw Indians lived here. They often farmed the land or found ways to live off what nature provided.

Travel and Transportation

In those days, there weren't many roads or paths. The Frisco Railroad was the main way to travel. It offered six trains every day, with three going in each direction. This made it much easier for people and goods to move around. However, passenger trains stopped running in the late 1950s. The railroad continued to carry freight until 1981, when it closed completely, and its tracks were removed. Around the same time, Oklahoma State Highway 2 was built, offering a new way to travel.

Rodney Crossing and Community

Near Kellond, there was an important spot on the Kiamichi River called Rodney Crossing. This was a low-water place where people could cross the river. It got its name from Rodney Mountain, which is located to the north. For a short time, a small community and post office named Rodney, Oklahoma also existed there.