Keokuk Falls, Oklahoma facts for kids

Keokuk Falls was once a small town in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Today, it is known as a ghost town, meaning it's a place where most or all people have left. It was located about 4.5 miles north and 15 miles east of Shawnee. It was also close to the Creek Nation and Seminole Nation, across the North Canadian River. The town was named after Chief Moses Keokuk, an important leader who lived from 1821 to 1908. He is buried in Stroud, Oklahoma in the Sac and Fox cemetery.

The Story of Keokuk Falls

Early Days and the Post Office

Keokuk Falls had its own post office for many years. It opened on January 13, 1892. Henry J. Jones was the very first postmaster, helping to send and receive mail. The post office closed on February 15, 1918. After that, mail for the area was sent to Prague. The town even had its own newspaper called the Keokuk Kall.

The town was officially planned and laid out on September 22, 1891. This happened when the Sac and Fox Reservation was opened up.

A Unique Location

Keokuk Falls became well-known because of its special location. It was in the "wet" Oklahoma Territory. This meant that certain goods, like alcoholic drinks, could be sold there. Nearby was the "dry" Indian Territory, where such sales were not allowed. This difference made Keokuk Falls a popular spot for people from the "dry" areas.

However, when Oklahoma became a state, the laws changed. The entire area became "dry," meaning the sale of those goods was no longer allowed.

Where Was It? Geography

Keokuk Falls was located near some small waterfalls on the North Canadian River. These waterfalls were about three feet high. Today, you can no longer see these falls. The riverbed has changed over time, causing the falls to disappear.