Okay, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Okay, Oklahoma
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Location of Okay, Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Wagoner |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.79 sq mi (2.05 km2) |
| • Land | 0.79 sq mi (2.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 545 ft (166 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 505 |
| • Density | 636.82/sq mi (245.89/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
74446
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| Area code(s) | 539/918 |
| FIPS code | 40-54100 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1096195 |
Okay is a small town located in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It sits right along the east bank of the Verdigris River. In 2020, about 505 people lived in Okay. This number was a bit lower than the 620 people counted in 2010.
Contents
Okay's History and Name
Okay has a long history, starting around 1806. A French trader named Joseph Bogy set up a trading post in an area called Three Forks. This spot later became part of Oklahoma. Other traders took over the post, and then a man named A. P. Chouteau bought it in 1822.
Early Settlement and Trade
Chouteau's trading post was quite busy. It had twelve houses and even a ferry to cross the river. He expanded his business by bringing in skilled workers. These workers built special boats called keelboats. Local traders used these boats to carry goods from Native American tribes to big cities like New Orleans and St. Louis.
The land around Okay was once claimed by the Osage tribe. They later gave it to the Western Cherokees. After that, the Western Creeks were allowed to settle on some of the land. In 1828, the United States government bought Chouteau's land. They wanted to build a Creek Agency there.
How Okay Got Its Name
Before it was called Okay, the settlement had several different names.
- The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway called a nearby train stop Coretta. The US Post Office started using this name in 1891.
- The famous Cook Gang even robbed a train at Coretta in 1894!
- Another name for the area was Falls City. This name came from the rapids in the nearby Verdigris River.
- The post office name changed to Rex in 1900.
- Then it became North Muskogee in 1911.
The name Okay was finally chosen on October 18, 1919. It came from the "O. K. Trucks" brand of oil tankers. These trucks were made at a factory built in the town in 1915. The company that made them was first called the Oklahoma Auto Manufacturing Company. Later, it changed its name to the "O. K. Truck Manufacturing Company." Okay is known for having a very unique and interesting place name!
A Big Fire in 1936
In 1936, a large fire destroyed most of the town's business area. This included two general stores, a church, the post office, and other buildings. Only a gas station and a blacksmith shop survived the fire.
Town Geography
Okay is a small town. The United States Census Bureau says it covers about 0.8 square miles (2.05 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Okay has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population counts:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 248 | — | |
| 1940 | 322 | 29.8% | |
| 1950 | 427 | 32.6% | |
| 1960 | 419 | −1.9% | |
| 1970 | 419 | 0.0% | |
| 1980 | 554 | 32.2% | |
| 1990 | 528 | −4.7% | |
| 2000 | 597 | 13.1% | |
| 2010 | 620 | 3.9% | |
| 2020 | 505 | −18.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 597 people living in Okay. The average household had about 2.63 people. The average family had about 3.11 people. About 30.7% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age in the town was 36 years.
Education in Okay
Okay Public Schools has a special policy regarding safety. The school board decided to allow certain trained staff members to carry guns in schools. On February 1, 2016, signs that used to say "Gun Free School Zone" were changed. The new signs read: "Attention. Please be aware that certain staff members at Okay Public Schools can be legally armed and may use whatever force is necessary to protect our students."
Why the Policy Was Made
The Superintendent, Charles McMahan, explained the reason for this policy. He said no specific event caused it. Instead, it was a way to prepare for potential threats. He noted that Okay has only one police officer. Other law enforcement officers take about 10 minutes to arrive from Wagoner, Oklahoma. He also mentioned that about five percent of the teachers in Okay are armed.
Requirements for Armed Staff
Teachers who participate in this program must meet strict requirements:
- They need a concealed carry permit.
- They must have a certificate from Oklahoma's Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
- They must pass a psychiatric evaluation.
- They have to take a shooting course three times a year.
- They must carry their own guns (45 caliber or smaller). Or, they can keep them in a locked box at school.
- The policy also requires armed teachers to wear a special badge, hat, or jacket to identify them.
Notable People from Okay
- Lou Henson: Born in Okay in 1932, he became a famous college basketball coach. He is even in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2020.
- Katie Rain Hill: A writer and activist who is transgender.
See also
In Spanish: Okay (Oklahoma) para niños
