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Lima, Oklahoma
Location of Lima, Oklahoma
Location of Lima, Oklahoma
Country United States
State Oklahoma
County Seminole
Area
 • Total 0.47 sq mi (1.22 km2)
 • Land 0.47 sq mi (1.22 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
889 ft (271 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 68
 • Density 144.07/sq mi (55.57/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
FIPS code 40-43000
GNIS feature ID 2412895

Lima is a small town in Seminole County, Oklahoma, United States. It is special because it is one of the few remaining "All-Black towns" in Oklahoma. These towns were created by African Americans, often after the American Civil War, to build their own communities.

In 2020, the town had a population of 68 people. This was a small increase from 53 people in 2010.

LimaRosenwald2012
The Rosenwald Hall school in Lima, active from 1921–1966

The History of Lima

The community of Lima was named after the local limestone quarries. These quarries were places where limestone rock was dug out of the ground. They existed in the area by 1904.

Early Days and Growth

Lima had its own post office from 1907 until 1957. The very first postmaster was named Grudge V. Gross. In 1913, Lima officially became an incorporated town. This meant it had its own local government. The town was built along a railroad line, which was important for travel and trade. A local newspaper, the Lima Observer, started in 1914.

Education and New Neighbors

In 1921, a special school called Rosenwald Hall was built in Lima. This school was helped by the Rosenwald Fund, which supported education for African American children in the South. The school served the community until it closed in 1966.

In 1926, a large oil field called the Greater Seminole Oil Field was discovered nearby. This brought many new people to the area. Some White residents moved to Lima and created a separate village to the east, which they called "New Lima".

Where is Lima Located?

Lima is located in Seminole County, Oklahoma. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers an area of about 0.5 square miles (1.22 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no water.

Population Changes Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 146
1930 239 63.7%
1970 238
1980 256 7.6%
1990 133 −48.0%
2000 74 −44.4%
2010 53 −28.4%
2020 68 28.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

The population of Lima has changed a lot over the years. In 1930, it had its highest population with 239 people. By 2010, the population had dropped to 53 people. However, it saw a small increase to 68 people by 2020.

Education in Lima

Students in Lima attend schools within the New Lima Public Schools district.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lima (Oklahoma) para niños

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