Qualls, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Qualls, Oklahoma
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Country | United States |
State | Oklahoma |
County | Cherokee |
Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
GNIS feature ID | 1100771 |
Qualls is a small, unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, United States. Being "unincorporated" means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It is located west of a large body of water called Lake Tenkiller.
Contents
History of Qualls
Early Days and the Post Office
The Qualls Post Office was an important part of the community for many years. It opened on January 20, 1909, and closed on August 31, 1942. The very first person in charge of the post office was William A. Qualls.
How Qualls Got Its Name
The name "Qualls" has a unique story connected to the history of the Cherokee Nation. After the Cherokee people were forced to move from their homes in the eastern United States to Oklahoma in 1838, an event known as the Trail of Tears, a family named Qualls settled in this area. One story says that a cabin belonging to the Qualls family was burned down. This event led to the area being called "Qualls Burnt Cabin."
Later, between World War I and World War II, people started using the shorter name "Qualls." Even today, you can find "Qualls Road" and "Burnt Cabin Road" on maps, which help remember this part of history. The name is also remembered at Burnt Cabin Ridge State Park, which is located on the shores of Lake Tenkiller.
Qualls Today
Today, the center of Qualls is known for Jincy's Kitchen. This diner serves home-cooked meals. The building where Jincy's Kitchen is located was once used as a set for two movies, including the well-known film "Where the Red Fern Grows."
Notable People from Qualls
- Johnny Callison (1939-2006) was a professional baseball player. He played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies.