Savanna, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Savanna, Oklahoma
|
|
|---|---|
Location of Savanna, Oklahoma
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Pittsburg |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.44 sq mi (3.73 km2) |
| • Land | 1.43 sq mi (3.71 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 745 ft (227 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 623 |
| • Density | 435.06/sq mi (168.03/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
74565
|
| Area code(s) | 539/918 |
| FIPS code | 40-65600 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2413262 |
Savanna is a small town located in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, in the United States. In 2020, about 623 people lived there. Savanna is special because it's the hometown of Tyler Inman, a former player for the famous Harlem Globetrotters and a champion dunker!
Contents
History of Savanna
Early Days and Coal Mining
Savanna started as a small farming and cattle ranching community in the 1860s. It was part of Tobucksy County, which belonged to the Choctaw Nation, a Native American tribe.
In the 1870s, coal mining became very important for the town's economy. A post office opened in Savanna, Indian Territory, on May 5, 1876. The town grew because of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, which had a station stop there. The post office was even named after a private train car!
Growth and Challenges
As coal mining grew, Savanna became one of the biggest communities in Indian Territory. Mining companies built many homes for the miners and their families.
However, in 1887, there were sad accidents in two mines. Six miners and twelve rescue workers lost their lives. After this, the main mining company closed its mines and moved its houses to another town called Lehigh, Oklahoma.
Even with these challenges, Savanna continued to grow a bit. By 1911, about 450 people lived there. A local newspaper, the Savanna News, started in 1915 but closed a few years later.
Changes After World War I
After World War I, people started using more oil and gas instead of coal. This meant that coal mining was not as important to Pittsburg County anymore. Savanna's big growth period ended until Oklahoma became a state in 1907.
During World War II, a large ammunition factory was built nearby in McAlester. Many people from Savanna found jobs there. The town's population changed over the years, growing to 948 people in 1990.
Geography
Where is Savanna?
Savanna is located in Oklahoma. It is about 9 miles (14 km) south of a larger city called McAlester. You can find it along U.S. Highway 69.
Size of the Town
The town of Savanna covers a total area of about 1.4 square miles (3.7 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water.
Population of Savanna
How Many People Live Here?
The number of people living in Savanna has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population from different years:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 620 | — | |
| 1970 | 948 | 52.9% | |
| 1980 | 828 | −12.7% | |
| 1990 | 869 | 5.0% | |
| 2000 | 730 | −16.0% | |
| 2010 | 686 | −6.0% | |
| 2020 | 623 | −9.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 730 people living in Savanna. About 294 families lived in the town. The average household had about 2.48 people.
Age Groups in Town
In 2000, the population was spread out by age:
- About 24.5% of the people were under 18 years old.
- About 7.7% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 27.9% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 24.9% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 14.9% were 65 years old or older.
The average age of people in Savanna was 39 years old.
Education
Savanna has its own public school system. It offers classes from pre-kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. In 2000, about 513 students were enrolled in the Savanna school system.
See also
In Spanish: Savanna (Oklahoma) para niños
