Petros, Oklahoma facts for kids

Petros is a small, quiet place in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's not a big city or town with its own local government, but rather a community where people live. You can find Petros about two miles south of Heavener, Oklahoma and one mile north of the Poteau River.

History of Petros

Early Days and the Post Office

Petros started as a community in what was once called Indian Territory. This was a special area where Native American tribes, like the Choctaw Nation, lived and governed themselves before Oklahoma became a state.

A post office opened in Petros on January 21, 1898. This was a very important place for people to send and receive letters and packages. However, it didn't stay open for long, closing on March 30, 1901.

The Name Petros and Its Meaning

When Petros was first settled, it was part of Sugar Loaf County within the Moshulatubbee District of the Choctaw Nation. The community had a few different names over time, including Petross Mill and Petros Cut.

The name "Petros" comes from the Greek language and means "rock." It was given this name by Greek immigrants who came to work on the Kansas City Southern Railroad. These workers had to cut through solid rock to make way for the train tracks, which was a very difficult job!

Railroads and Industry

Over time, Petros also became a place for businesses. A company called Dierks Forests set up a wood planing operation there. This means they processed wood, making it smooth and ready for building or other uses.

Petros was also located along the Kingston and Choctaw Valley Railroad line. This railroad connected different towns, running from Thomasville in the south, through Petros and Heavener, all the way to other train connections in Howe, Oklahoma. Railroads were vital for moving goods and people in those days.