McLoud, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
McLoud, Oklahoma
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McLoud City Hall
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| Motto(s):
Blackberry Capital of the World
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Location of McLoud, Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Pottawatomie |
| Area | |
| • Total | 18.10 sq mi (46.88 km2) |
| • Land | 18.02 sq mi (46.67 km2) |
| • Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,083 ft (330 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,351 |
| • Density | 241.47/sq mi (93.23/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
74851
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| Area code(s) | 405/572 |
| FIPS code | 40-45350 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412969 |
McLoud is a city in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It is part of the larger Oklahoma City area. In 2020, about 4,351 people lived there.
The city was started in 1895. It was named after John W. McLoud, who was a lawyer for the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad.
Contents
History of McLoud
How McLoud Started and Grew
In its early days, McLoud was known for making and selling whiskey. This was sold to both white settlers and American Indians in what was then called Indian Territory.
The first town was built near the North Canadian River. However, a big flood destroyed it. The town was then rebuilt about a mile south, on higher ground.
In June 1895, a post office opened in the town. It was first spelled "McCloud" but was corrected to "McLoud" a few months later. The town officially became a city on July 7, 1896.
For a long time, McLoud was a farming community. Farmers grew many crops there. By the early 2000s, many people living in McLoud started working in other nearby towns. This made McLoud a "bedroom community," meaning people live there but travel to work.
McLoud: Blackberry Capital of the World
In 1949, McLoud earned a special title: the "Blackberry Capital of the World." This happened when the local Chamber of Commerce sent a box of blackberries to President Harry S. Truman.
Geography of McLoud
Where is McLoud Located?
McLoud is about 22 miles (35 km) east of Oklahoma City. The North Canadian River flows near the northeast side of the city. Important roads like Route 270 and Route 102 meet in McLoud.
The city covers about 18.4 square miles (47.7 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
McLoud is in an area called the Crosstimbers ecoregion. It is also part of the "Frontier Country" tourism region in Oklahoma.
Population of McLoud
How Many People Live in McLoud?
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 498 | — | |
| 1910 | 638 | 28.1% | |
| 1920 | 651 | 2.0% | |
| 1930 | 812 | 24.7% | |
| 1940 | 616 | −24.1% | |
| 1950 | 718 | 16.6% | |
| 1960 | 837 | 16.6% | |
| 1970 | 2,159 | 157.9% | |
| 1980 | 4,061 | 88.1% | |
| 1990 | 2,493 | −38.6% | |
| 2000 | 3,548 | 42.3% | |
| 2010 | 4,044 | 14.0% | |
| 2020 | 4,351 | 7.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 4,044 people living in McLoud. The population has grown over the years. For example, in 2000, there were 3,548 people, and by 2020, it had grown to 4,351.
The people living in McLoud come from different backgrounds. In 2010, most residents were White. There were also many Native American residents, as well as African American and other groups.
Education in McLoud
Schools and Learning Centers
Most students in McLoud attend schools in the McLoud Public Schools district. Some parts of the city are also served by Dale Public Schools and Harrah Public Schools.
McLoud Public Schools has two main areas for its schools:
- The Elementary campus has several buildings for younger students. It also has a gym, a media center, and a safe room for tornado protection.
- The Secondary campus includes McLoud Junior High School (for 7th and 8th graders) and McLoud High School (for 9th to 12th graders). This campus also has a cafeteria, a media center, and a safe room.
The schools offer many computer labs and sports facilities. These include basketball gyms, baseball, football, soccer, and softball fields. There are also indoor practice areas for various sports.
Vocational Training and Libraries
For older students, McLoud is served by Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech in Shawnee. This center offers special training for different jobs.
McLoud also has its own public library, which is part of the Pioneer Library System. A famous librarian named Carma Leigh was born near McLoud. She was the State Librarian of California for many years.
Culture in McLoud
The Annual Blackberry Festival
McLoud is known as the "Blackberry Capital of the World." Because of this, the city hosts an annual Blackberry Festival. The McLoud Chamber of Commerce organizes this fun event.
The festival started in the 1940s. It was a way to celebrate the end of the blackberry harvest. Even though large blackberry farms are not common in McLoud anymore, wild blackberries still grow in the area.
The festival takes place on the first weekend of July. It includes many exciting activities for everyone. You can enjoy a parade, a carnival, and a car show. There are also baking contests and beauty pageants. Music and fireworks are big parts of the celebration too!
See also
In Spanish: McLoud (Oklahoma) para niños
